Mother's Day 2018
Today I paused to reflect on all the things, people,
animals, rocks, and trees that nurtured and nourished a new life within me, a
thought, a poem, an idea, a greater understanding, love, or a child, so that I could
birth that life into the world.
The rains that washed me clean. The sun that provided
illumination. The sorrow that showed me the depths of loss, but also the depths
of love. The seed that taught me patience. The migrating bird who taught me to
follow my internal compass. The faithful pup who taught me loyalty. The stars
who taught me humility, and to see myself as part of something greater. The
sunset that revealed the darkness within, so I could heal it. The sunrise
reminding me that the light will always return. The everyday acts of kindness
that transformed and renewed. The hand that simply took mine offering the
assurance I needed. The sound of footsteps walking beside me. The music that
motivated and inspired me. The child whose sense of wonder reminded me of my
own. The friend whose laughter recalled me home. The tree who provided shelter
from the storm. The praying mantis who reminded me to live with prayerfulness,
and the swan who reminded me to live with grace. The eagle who reminded me that
I could fly and trust the wind to lift me. The rocks who grounded me and taught
me about inner strength. The parents who loved me, provided for me, and
protected me (sometimes from myself). The bear who reminded me to go within and
rest. The river who taught me to move with the currents of life in both drought
and flood. The sunflower who shows me the importance of facing always toward
the light. The mountain who shows me that all things change with time. The
storm who reminds me that there are things I can’t control. The tiny ant who
teaches perseverance and faith in my own power no matter how small I may seem.
The honey bee who reminds me how interdependent we all are. The love that
awakened my heart, lit the path, and guided me.
I see now that to live is to be mothered. There is no
greater gift.
