The ONE thing you need this school year...

A prayer for mothers

I am still deep in the throes of vacationing with my family. It's hard to put into words how full my heart is being able to spend this special time with so many people I love. We connected with friends and family in Indiana, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. We still have a few more days in DC and I am trying to soak it all in.

It is not lost on me, though, that in about a week, my kids will be returning to school. While we are excited to see our friends and get back to routines, the stresses and anxiety to perform can weigh heavily on us individually and as a family. I have a calling on my heart to pray for our community of mamas and families this school year. I hope you’ll indulge and share with other mothers as well.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Back to school is an exciting time for us all but it can also be one filled with anxiety and pressure. As we send our children into new classrooms, may we release any expectations of perfection on them and ourselves. Give us the patience to love them as they are and the energy to encourage them to show up as their best, not to please us but to honor you.

Remind us that we not only need to model hard work but also rest as our children look to our actions to guide their own. When we "fail" as mothers, give us the wisdom to see it as a lesson and the courage to be imperfect in the presence of our families. God, give us the strength to ask for the help and support when we need it the first time instead of waiting for it to be an emergency or a burnout situation. Bestow on us the clarity to know which items should be taken off our plate at any given time so we can focus on being present at work and at home.

Lord, surround us with a strong tribe of diverse women who celebrate our strides to be vulnerable and can remind us of our strength in tough times. When all the tasks are piling up, remind us to pause, get back to what we value and focus on the next right step. God, we know we are not alone but it can feel lonely at times. Surround us with your love and care as we love and care for those around us.

Lastly, I pray for fun and excitement for mothers, God. Renew our childhood spirits and help us connect with who you called us to be. Allow our families to see our hearts and experience our joy as we have the safest, healthiest and most prosperous school year yet. Amen.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful and fun-filled school year!