suck the life, it seems, of me;
me, who wants to do my own will...
dead to the joys at the end of my fingertips,
the blessed potential in each of these, if only-
I could see.
How to make myself stop, put aside my whims,
open blinded eyes and SEE?
Many images play in the head while waiting for paramedics...
the mother who called her daughter a "fool",
the father who didn't want to push his 2-year-old son on the swing,
("play by yourself, or we'll leave"),
the mommy who would rather leave her child to drink with a girlfriend.
This auntie stuck out to me because she smiled at the child
and made the tire swing twirl and rise, sending gleeful shouts of joy.
She is better now, but I am changed.
I drive my three home, bathe them alone, sing & pray & tuck into bed.
I want to bring the shouts of joy,
I want to love them as I am loved by my playful Father,
who delights in me even though I stumble in this parent walk,
who forgives and teaches me gently (sometimes sternly)
and wants the Best for me.
Teach me to be what I need to be for these three,
my precious ones that help me to grow and change for the better.