A Mommy's Prayer

My dearest sons,

I said a prayer for you today. It's not something unusual, really ... I pray for you often. I suppose what made today different was the continuing nature of it. It wasn't a prayer in the traditional sense, either, with a "Dear God" at the beginning and an "Amen" at the end. It was more of an afternoon conversation with God ... primarily hopes and well wishes for each of you, sent Heavenward with as much thought and sincerity as any other prayer would be.

As I worked alone in the quiet, peaceful sunshine of a spring afternoon and you lay resting in the house, I prayed that you would have many days of peace and sunshine, and always have a safe place to rest your head. I prayed that you would have health and happiness, and that your sorrows and trials would be few. I was working near the garden that we have planted together, and I prayed that you would continue to grow and learn, in the care and shelter of God.

Later, as you woke and came outside to play and help with the garden, I prayed that you would always have the same generous, helpful hearts that you do now ... that you would grow to be loving, caring men like your Daddy, who works so hard to take care of his family. I prayed that your natural curiosity would help you to learn and grow, both in school and at home, but most importantly that you would always want to learn how to better follow God's law.

As you laughed and played together in the yard, I prayed that you would have many days of laughter and joy. I prayed that God would grant you the wisdom to choose your friends well, so that you would be blessed with people who were a support and encouragement to you, instead of demanding much and giving little. I prayed that if you grew up and wanted to marry, that you would find a wonderful Christian young lady who was your friend for a while before she was your love, so that you would understand that in a marriage, being a loving friend to your mate is one of the best things in the world. I prayed that the young lady you might someday choose would be a beautiful young lady, perhaps on the outside, but most certainly on the inside. I prayed that she might be the kind of young woman to whom the most important thing was making God happy, and then in bringing you happiness. I prayed that you, my sons, would each grow to be strong, capable, loving Christian men, who would strive, like Abraham, to be a "friend of God."

I prayed these and so many other things ... it would probably take me another afternoon just to tell you all about them.

And, my sweet sons, in the end I said a prayer for myself, that I might learn and grow as well, that I might make good choices, and that I might do all I can to help you on your way.

I love you.