We sat around a table bathed in light form a huge window, relishing in the opportunity to have each other close.
How grateful I am for those women.
As we finished eating and came to the close of our customary detailed discussion reviewing our food choices (we’re nerdy about good food), my Mom pulled out a “chapter” of a book someone had asked her to edit/review. She told us she wanted to read it to us, and, with her velvety reading voice that always brings me back to my childhood, she began to unfold some rich motherhood beauty.
I want to share what she read because it is strong.
Because my dear Mother could scarcely finish the ending through her tears.
And because as she read, each of us blinked at each other with our own wet cheeks, more in awe than ever that we get to be Mothers (my little sister Charity not yet, but I’ll be honest, she mothers our children right along with us). In awe of the sacredness that comes with loving and caring for those children entrusted into our care. In awe of the sheer beauty of the chaos mixed in with the holiness of it all.
Because of that chapter read that day, this painting has become one of my favorites.
It speaks to me. And it hangs next to my closet, reminding me of the beauty motherhood brings every day (thanks to my sister Saydi, who sent it to each of us for Christmas).
Here is the chapter (sorry in advance that it is cut and pasted in a little gappy):
“What other career could claim as its end-product the elevation of a human soul? Not just the enlightening of a mind or the development of a body, but the improvement of every aspect of a vibrant child of God?”
Oh I especially love that last part.
I love the imagery of that strong mother in the painting concentrating with all her heart on that baby who is so oblivious to the magnitude of her love.
And I love that I get to be one of those mothers, concentration high, love unending, teaching my own little human souls to fly.
_____________________________________________________________
So this is a single chapter in a book that was recently published.
It's called Choosing Motherhood: Stories of Successful Women Who Put Family First
and you can read more about it here
.I get to give one copy away.
Just in time for Mother’s Day.
My disclaimer is that I have not read the rest of the book yet, so I can’t promise the rest of the chapters will shine as brightly as this one. But it is so intriguing because each of the sixteen chapters are written by young mothers who studied or supported husbands who studied at Yale University. Can’t wait to snuggle down and read it all.
So enter a comment for a chance to win your own copy.
I’ll announce the winner on Saturday morning.
Love, Shawni