A Thanksgiving Benediction

last year at our thanks.giving vespers a friend from school, Jackie Moulton, wrote a poem that i have remembered and have wanted to read and read again, because i loved it so much. i just managed to get a hold of it and i want to share it with my friends...(i am in the process of asking for her permission, but i'm sure she won't mind). read it slowly, like a children's story, and let the words sink in deep and bring you rest.

Shhhhh…..

it's time.

it's time to put the little ones to sleep.

it's getting late and we have things to do.

See, Shames little eyes are beginning to droop.

She is trying so hard to seem awake and attentive,

but it's late,

and she is tired

So go ahead, put Shame to bed.

We will all knowingly excuse you while you put her tired little body down.

We all have these kids too,

we understand.

shhhhhh

See, look, Doubt is also nodding off. He has had a rough day.

So go ahead,

pick him up and carry him off to bed.

Lay him gently in his room with the toys scattered everywhere and the airplanes painted on the wall.

Help Should Have and Could Have into their star wars p.j.'s.

Lead them into their bedrooms and tuck them in to their tiny beds.

Go ahead and let Guilt scurry down the hall in his footy pajamas.

Anxiety is running around the living room tirelessly like a crazy person.

but it's past her bedtime,

and you are not fooled by her loud boisterous yelps,

she is oh so tired.

So pick her up and take her to bed.

You know very well she will throw a fit.

she still wants to play.

But a good parent is kind and yet sticks to the rules.

bedtime is bedtime.

Lay all these little ones down in their little beds.

Caress Shames face as she tosses and turns to find a comfortable spot.

Sing softly to Should Have and Could Have,

they have a hard time falling asleep…..

hush little baby don't you cry,

mommas gonna sing you a lullaby.

Bring Anxiety a cup of warm milk and rub her back

until she slips into dreams where she is free and able to fly.

Leave the night light on.

Be kind.

Remember, they are only children.

Doubt will wake up in a few hours and demand water and reassurance.

So bring water, rub his back, and speak softly.

He is just a child.

Remember they are children

and as children tend to do, they will grow up.

after tears and fights and long nights

spent awake

they will grow up.

they will grow up

and move out

and come back in full force during the holidays.

They are children,

they act the way they do because they are scared and unsure.

we all understand that.

we’ve been kids ourselves.

I wish I could tell you to go ahead and go to sleep for in the morning

shame, doubt, guilt, and fear will be all matured, grown up and out of the house.

but they won't.

they will be up early.

probably way earlier than you.

doubt will be jumping on your bed.

and shame will be in the kitchen spilling cheerios and milk all over the counter.

Should have and Would have will have a whole list of things they want to do

but remember they are just children,

so be kind

and yet firm.

Fear does not get to run around screaming in this house.

Shame does not get to say nasty cruel things at you.

and Anxiety is going to help with the chores whether she likes it or not.

stick with them.

be gentle.

they will grow up soon.

I promise.

So Go ahead,

and kindly put them to bed.

We have singing and dancing to do.

remember, You are doing great.

Every parent feels exasperated at the end of the day.

Every parent feels from time to time that they are doing everything wrong.

From time to time Every parent feels helpless.

Shhhhhh…

see,

shame and guilt have finally stopped fussing and are dreaming sweet dreams.

Should Have and Could Have are snoring little snores.

Anxiety is tossing and turning but

asleep.

So come on,

lets sing.

lets dance

and play.

lets celebrate,

ourselves.

you are all magnificent parents.

you have done another day.

you survived today, with all those kids...

and if that is not proof of love and grace I don't know what is.

you are all walking houses of the holy,

and you are so beautiful.

so come on,

lets be alive.

lets sing.

together.