I tucked her into bed. Her little head tilted back into her pillow. Mouth slightly open. I watched as her chest rose and fell with each soft breath. I gently pushed back a wisp of hair and softly ran my fingers along her temple.
She played hard today. Running and laughing through the yard. Jumping on the trampoline with the glee of a toddler. I smiled at the thought of her bright, sparkling eyes and infectious laugh. I peered across the room into the crib. My infant son lay peacefully sleeping. He, too, had an eventful day of smiling and cooing.
I looked towards the ceiling and closed my eyes. My lips moved to form words and failed. So, my heart stepped in to offer this prayer:
“Lord, watch over my babies. Keep them safe through the night. I may not have made all the right decisions today. I may have been a little too stern at times. I did have to apologize a few times for misunderstandings and hurt feelings, but you know this mother’s heart. Help me to guide them, teach them, and protect them. Give me grace and, yes, I need patience. I love them so very much and must do right by them. So please help me. You know what I need and I wholeheartedly accept it!”
I am my children’s greatest advocate. I am their encourager. Teacher. Protector. Smile generator. Mine is the first face they see every morning and the last before bed. They learn my rules and know my expectations. At the end of the day, I want them to hear and know my prayers.
My daughter calls me super mommy. I want her to know that even super mommies need help sometimes. In her little eyes, I can do it all. I know I can’t do it all, but I won’t be passive in what I can do. There’s evil out there past the safety of our home’s walls. No, I can’t be passive. I will not be scared to confront the forces that reach for children. I’m a veteran to spiritual warfare. I will not let my guard down.
I kissed her cheek before pulling the blankets around her shoulders. A smile gently tugged at the corners of my mouth as I scanned the room one last time before turning off the bedside lamp. I glanced again into the crib, adjusted the pacifier and tiptoed gingerly to the doorway. Sleep well my babies. Super mommy will see you again in the morning. Be ready for more giggles and cooing. This mommy will rest well, too. She has help and she is not scared.