Show Me, Lord

Lord, show me how to mother a man.

I'm not even sure if I can.

I know how to mother a boy,

How to find him crying in the corner

After he's lost his toy,

How to pick him up and hold him tight,

Tickle him & tuck him into bed for the night.

But now there's no more playing and wrestling on the floor.

The books I used to read him are now just a bore.

And the only place I find him is behind a closed door.

Lord, show me how to mother a man.

I'm not even sure if I can.

I remember him climbing in my bed at night.

I remember teaching him to read and write.

He's older now, and though we don't usually fight,

I just can't get him to talk to me, not quite.

I don't long to have back his younger years.

I'm content with the memories
I hold so vivid and clear

Of a bond between mother and son that's irreplaceable, priceless, dear.

So, how do I now make that necessary connection,

If all he ever hears from me are words of correction?

He's not quite an adult, but he's practically a man,

One I'm not sure how to mother,

Please tell me how I can.

Show me how to nurture his masculine spirit.

I tell him that I love him, but I'm not sure if he hears it.

I ask what he thinks, how he feels, and he says, "I don't know".

I tell him that I'm proud. If he believes me, it doesn't show.

I  don't mind losing a boy, so long as I can

Gain a man I can still mother.

Does he know I'm his biggest fan?

So show me, Lord, how to mother a man.

Give me the courage and wisdom to know that I can.

Amie Spruiell

3/19/2011