A Prayer

(my version of THIS poem) 

Lord,

Thank you for the dishes overflowing in the sink...
and the colorful plastic spoons therein that recently fed pureed carrots.

Thank you for this mountain of dirty laundry...
and the spit-up covered onesies that can be found piled on top.

Thank you for the unmade bed...
and the little body that cuddled close to my chest on it early this morning.

Thank you for this bathroom that needs a major scrubbing bubbles treatment...
and the wonderful smell of the pink "no tears" shampoo sitting on the ledge of the tub.

Thank you for this cluttered living room carpet...
and that the clutter consists of teething rings, rattles and board books.

Thank you for my rushed trips to the grocery store...
and the crying baby in the car seat that sits in the shopping cart.

Thank you for the grass that needs mowing...
and for the tiny little fingers that discovered it's lush green-ness today.

Thank you for that sewing table cluttered with yet-to-complete crafts and projects...
and the crib with pink sheets that sits in the same room. 

Thank you for the darkening bags under my eyes...
and the little cries that keep me up at night.

Thank you for the "extra padding" around my middle...
and for letting my have the chance to feel a baby move inside me.

Thank you for letting me tickle soft skin.  Thank you for letting my change a baby's diaper.  Thank your for letting me kiss chubby little cheeks.  Thank you for letting me hear tiny giggles each day.   I will try to be more grateful for the little joys that she brings to my life...for the things that I DON'T get to do because you have given me a gift.

The perfect beautiful gift of being a Mother.