Mommy Encouragement

This poem was in one of my Christian Woman magazines and I thought it would be an encouragement to the mommies of small children out there. Both of my girls are better mommies to their little ones than I was. I'm so thankful for that. I wish somebody had encouraged me to involve my little ones more. Maybe they did and I didn't listen. I know my husband often tried to get me to let the children do more chores when they were little, but I was too much of a perfectionist and too impatient. I was BAD! I wish I could have made myself chill out and RELAX and let the kids be more hands-on. If I had it to do over again . . .

Building Bridges
by Darlene Miller

As I was washing dishes, oh! my hands were moving fast,
And still upon occasion a dish came flying past.
For there beside me, to my left, a little lad of three
Was standing on a kitchen chair, so gladly "helping" me!
He filled my sink much faster than my hands could get things clean.
A child with more ambition I don't think I've ever seen!
And on my right...another chair...another lad of three
(A twin to brother on the left, most folks can plainly see).
He too was helping joyfully, a smile upon his face,
While for each cup or bowl he rinsed, somehow he found a place.
They looked a bit haphazard, all those dishes left to dry,
And it seemed inefficient when observed by well-trained eye.
Two little boys were soaking wet when we at last were through,
I could have done a better job all by myself, it's true.
Yet I feel so rewarded, though my dishes may not shine,
For we were building bridges from their little hearts to mine!