TIRED MOTHER'S PRAYER

Oh God, I was so cross to the children today!
Forgive me.
I was discouraged and tired and I took it out on them.
Forgive my bad temper, my impatience and, most of all,
my yelling.
I am so ashamed as I think of it.

I want to kneel down by each of their beds, wake them
up and ask them to forgive me, But, I can't.

They wouldn't understand. I must go on living with the
memory of this awful day, my unjust tirades.

Hours later, I can still see the fear in their eyes as
they scurried around trying to appease me, thinking my
anger and maniacal raving was their fault.

Oh, God, the pathetic helplessnes of children!
Their innocence before the awful monster =— the enraged
adult.

And how forgiving they are, hugging me so frevently at
bedtime, kissing me goodnight.

All I can do is straighten a cover, touch a small head
burrowed in a pillow and hope with all my heart that they
will forgive me.

Lord, in failing these little ones whom you have put in
my keeping, I am failing youe Please let your infinite
patience and goodness replenish me for tomorrow--

Marjorie Holmes

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