They were struggling through hard times and could barely put food on the table.
Struggling pay check to pay check and the ends just never seemed to meet.
Mother took the little she had and went to the store, holding back the tears as she walked through the aisles and bought a small pack of potatoes, enough to feed her family for the night.
She came home and put on her best smile and her apron. She started preparing the potatoes for the family that she loved.
The children swarmed all around her--"Mother, mother, would you play with us?"
Mother sits down and realizes a decision needs to be made. They do not need to know of the heavy burden she carries.
She plans out the day--they clean and tidy their little home. She is careful to smile, to love generously. She does her best to fill their day with song, laughter and games. They made crafts out of paper for display. That is what she has much of, she will fill her home with the riches of love.
When the children grew up they were asked if they remember growing up poor.
Each one looked at another with bewilderment.
Not once in all their days did they every feel the poverty that beheld them.
For it was another's sacrifices that kept their growing hearts in true treasure...
for they had the riches
of a mother who loved them.
She came home and put on her best smile and her apron. She started preparing the potatoes for the family that she loved.
The children swarmed all around her--"Mother, mother, would you play with us?"
Mother sits down and realizes a decision needs to be made. They do not need to know of the heavy burden she carries.
She plans out the day--they clean and tidy their little home. She is careful to smile, to love generously. She does her best to fill their day with song, laughter and games. They made crafts out of paper for display. That is what she has much of, she will fill her home with the riches of love.
When the children grew up they were asked if they remember growing up poor.
Each one looked at another with bewilderment.
Not once in all their days did they every feel the poverty that beheld them.
For it was another's sacrifices that kept their growing hearts in true treasure...
for they had the riches
of a mother who loved them.
beautiful! I can relate to this right now. I pray I can be as strong as this woman. Now THAT is real womanly strength--keeping a smile on your face for the betterment of others and doing what is right even when it feels like the world is crumbling around you. Love it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts, June.
ReplyDeleteSo true--our children watch so closely how we handle going through trials and we set the example for them to follow one day.
Missed you yesterday,
Rhonda
Wonderful post!!! I am trying to keep that smile on my face as well even when times are hard. I have been in that same position but God always sees us through and I don't think my children have ever once felt poor.
ReplyDeleteThat is such an important thing to remember! Being a mother is such an important role, it's good to remember how much we affect our kids, our house and the world around us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder that we set the mood and tone in our home.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
http://thecraftyhome.net
Lovely, June. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us! Much needed today!!! Sarah
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us of how much our children are watching! Much needed today!!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful thought and so very true!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and encouraging!
ReplyDeleteIt reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie books I read so often when I was a little girl. How much I wanted to be part of that happy family!
It wasn't until I re-read the books with my children that I suddenly realized that the Ingalls family was dirt poor. The thought had never occurred to me as a child, because they were so rich in love.
Nanci
What an inspiring start to the day! Would you mind sharing where this story is taken from as I'd love to read more!
ReplyDeleteClaire
I agree with you! Beautiful thoughts of a gentle, dear mother taking care of her children.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the gentle reminder~ and that hard times can include so much more than financial hardships~ indeed the mood of the mom sets the heart of the home.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Easier said than done...feeling a very heavy burden this evening for the financial hardship we are barely enduring.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious... how are things now? I relate to your post. I can't see light at the end of the tunnel. I would love to hear it got better for you.
DeleteSo true and so encouraging. Thank you so much!!!!
ReplyDeleteReally loved this, such a good reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is so very true! When I was a little girl we were "poor", but I never realized it until I was in my teens and our finances improved. My mom always made us the best meals. She kept our tiny trailer spotless and decorated it just beautifully. I remember her always taking time to play with us. When I became a mom nine years ago, she spoke of how badly she struggled with it all. She told me how she prayed her children never have to go through financial struggles. All I remember is I had a very happy childhood. Even though she is now with Jesus,"thank you, Mom. I always knew we were loved and treasured. Thank you for being strong during the tough times."
ReplyDelete