The last time we had family pictures taken (thanks again, Butterfly Portrait Studios), I came home with this gem.A picture that embodied excellence to me.

A reminder.

A challenge.

A portrait of a good mother.

The mother I am, because that is me in the picture.

But more than the mother I am . . . the mother I want to be.

Gracious.

Graceful.

Kind.

Trustworthy.

Sweet.

Calm.

Gentle.

Understanding.

Wise.

Loving.

Serene.

Unhurried. Unstressed. A bringer of peace and unity and safety.

A good mother.

I want to slow down and listen. To watch my words.

To see my children, really see them. To hear them.

To pray for them.

To guide them. To love them. To teach them.

And in the midst of that, to enjoy them.

They are little for such a little time.

Why is it so hard to remember that?

I sometimes tell myself, Parent the way you would if someone else were around.

Be as kind as you would be if someone else were around. Be as gentle. Be as wise and inventive.

I printed this picture and put it on my windowsill where I see it often.

A visual reminder of the mother I want to be.