This week on Mothering Spirit
Many of you have answered for essays on grandparenting. Laura Roland offers much-needed wisdom (and hilarious perspective) on how grandparenthood is NOT the do-over we dream about in our younger years:
“Looking down at the once-again sleeping newborn and the toddler, now sitting quietly next to me playing with his stuffed puppy, I sighed. I half-smiled to myself, giving a rare atta-girl in my head.
And then I realized I had to pee.
But I was trapped by a sleeping baby held by very numb arms and a contented toddler glued to my side. My mind started racing, trying to figure out just how long I could manage this scenario before one of us exploded. It was no longer funny. I was overwhelmed and started to panic.
As I tried to execute a very strategic plan to untangle myself from the toddler and bring the newborn in with me — because, of course, the baby seat was in the other room — I realized I’d been here before…”
Read the whole essay here: The Grandparenthood.
Kate Bluett writes gorgeous liturgical poetry, and we were thrilled to have her share one of her hymn texts as our prayer this week. For every mother who’s felt empty and longed for more:
Fill every darkened cell with light
and every shade with rest;
fill every sprirt with delight
to hear you called them blest.Come fill us in our every need
as you fill every world
in every spinning galaxy
across the sky unfurled.
Read the whole prayer here: Fill Us.
We need your help!
Many of you have asked about writing for Mothering Spirit. Now’s your chance!
We’re looking for short prayers on the following topics related to upcoming essays. Ideally we’d love to publish a handful of prayers on each theme, to give readers a variety of perspectives. What words have helped you bring these needs to prayer?
Neurodivergence (in your child, spouse/partner, or yourself) - due 2/8
Infertility/fertility issues - due 2/15
Anger as a mother - due 2/22
Original prayers are accepted (previously published on your social media, blog, or other personal site are fine). Simply respond here with your prayer(s) or email them to newsletter@motheringspirit.com. We’ll give you full credit and copyright, and tag you on our social media when we publish. Let us know if you have any questions!
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