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For all moms . . . who day after day serve their families with unfailing love and unending selflessness.

She rises in the morning, preparing whatever is needed for the day ahead. School lunches packed, children fed and dressed, and sent out the door with a hug and kiss.

She rises from the dining table, exhausted after another long day of work, managing schedules, chauffeuring, homework, and feeding her family, all the while knowing there is still much to be done before her head finally hits the pillow.

She rises in the darkness to answer the baby’s cries, and to soothe the middle of the night fears from the oldest child down the hall.

She rises early on holidays, making sure every package is wrapped and nestled under the tree. Every egg has found its perfect hiding place, and every tooth has found its way to the Tooth Fairy.

She rises to the challenge. In motherhood, she will find many, but the fierce love she has for her children will empower her to overcome any obstacle in her path.

She rises above expectations. Sometimes the expectations of others, but mostly of her own accord. She learns she needs to offer herself the same grace that she so freely gives to others.

She rises above her circumstances. Because sometimes life hands out undeserved turmoil or situations that take her breath away. She is determined to show her family they can weather any storm.

She rises from her seat in the stands, cheering loudly as her child steps onto the field for the first time. She smiles proudly as they search out her face amongst the crowd.

She rises above self-doubt—above the fears that creep into her heart. She knows she isn’t perfect, but she also knows she is doing the best she can.

She rises from her knees after prayerfully asking for protection over her family, and guidance as she navigates this job that God has entrusted to her.

She rises to the occasion. When her children are grown and have children of their own, she embraces her role as grandmother as she continues to serve her family in new and important ways.

And when her work on Earth has been completed, and she has been called home, she will rise one last time to meet her heavenly father. And He will say to her, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

You may also like:

Dear Daughter As You Move On To Middle School

To the Tired Mom in the Middle of the Night

The Kids May Be Grown, But Mom Is Still Their Home

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Mary Ann Blair

Mary Ann Blair is a stay-at-home mom living in the Pacific Northwest with her two little gentlemen and hubs. She loves connecting with other parents who like to keep it real! Her work has been published on Her View From Home, Motherly, A Fine Parent, Perfection Pending, That’s Inappropriate, Pregnant Chicken, Sammiches and Psych Meds, Red Tricycle and in Chicken Soup For the Soul. She can be found at maryannblair.com or on Facebook at Mary Ann Blair, Writer.

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