Devotion:
- Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause.
- Religious worship or observance.

A devotion, to me, is as inspirational and uplifting as it is thought-provoking and full of love.  Often used in religious practices, daily devotions can lift the spirit and ease the mind, and it is important that we as mothers feel this love and inspiration on a daily basis.  Being a mother is the most selfless job on Earth. We are constantly and without hesitation putting the wants and needs of our children before ourselves.  We are teacher, doctor, cook, best friend, number one supporter, comforter, advocate, voice of reason, and guide.  We wear these and a thousand other hats on a daily basis. 

Lately, I have been reading devotionals especially for mothers created by Helen Steiner Rice, an American poet from the early Twentieth century who was an inspirational poet, wife, daughter, sister, and above all else, mother.  She wore lots of hats (both figuratively and literally) and endured lots of heartache, yet it was through her hardships that she was able to express herself and her beliefs in her poems so beautifully and with such raw emotion.  With becoming such an inspirational poet, over seven million copies have sold and continue to touch peoples’ lives today.  Below are a couple of my favorites that I want to pass along to you.

The Joy of Unselfish Giving

Time is not measured
by the years that you live
But by the deeds that you do and the joy that you give –
And each day as it comes
brings a chance to each one
To love to the fullest,
leaving nothing undone
That would brighten the life
or lighten the load
Of some weary traveler
lost on life’s road
So what does it matter
how long we may live
If as long as we live
we unselfishly give.

Mother Is a Word Called Love

Mother is a word called love
And all the world is mindful of
The love that’s given and shown to others
Is different from the love of mothers.
For mothers play the leading roles
In giving birth to little souls,
For though small souls are heaven-sent
And we realize they’re only lent.
It takes a mother’s loving hands
And her gentle heart that understands
To mold and shape this little life
And shelter it through storm and strife.
So mothers are a special race
God sent to earth to take His place,
And mother is a lovely name
That even saints are proud to claim.

It’s easy to fall into the whirlwind of daily life with our kids, and at times, we feel tired, stressed, or even defeated.  It’s in times like these that it is so important for us to take the time for ourselves.  For me, it’s a nice long bath and a do-it-yourself pedicure complete with a daily devotional that can perk me up and make all the difference in the world.  Leave the toys and crayons out. They’ll be there tomorrow.  Feel uplifted. Feel empowered.  After all, even Superwoman needs a break sometimes!