Motherhood: My Only Gems

By on October 5, 2009 in building the family, faith & womanhood

Screen shot 2009-10-05 at 8.11.27 AM“She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be…
And she gazed at me with her earnest eye and questioned reproachfully;

Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?
The career, the splendid fame, and all the wonderful things to do?
Where is the mansion of stately height with all of its gardens rare?
The silken robes that I dreamed for you and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad for I wanted her please with me…
This slender girl from the shadowy past the girl that I used to be
So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair
Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;
That silken robe is my motherhood of costly simplicity.
And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know
Is serving each day in these sheltered walls for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.
And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl I used to be.

- Author Unknown
Quoted in Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski

About Lindsay

Lindsay Edmonds is first a lover of Jesus, wife, mother of four, homemaker, and writer. She loves inspiring women around the world toward simple, natural, and intentional living for the glory of God.
View all posts by Lindsay →

14 Responses to Motherhood: My Only Gems

  1. Bethany August 4, 2010 at 6:38 am #

    Beautiful poetry! Thank you.

  2. God's Dancing Child October 13, 2009 at 10:24 am #

    That took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that!

  3. Kory October 6, 2009 at 12:40 am #

    Oh my, this is beautiful, brought tears to my eyes, thank you!

  4. Sarah October 5, 2009 at 9:39 pm #

    Wow…that is breathtaking. Thank you so very much for posting this!!!

  5. Joanna October 5, 2009 at 3:14 pm #

    Just beautiful! Thank you so much for posting it.

  6. Kristin October 5, 2009 at 1:37 pm #

    So lovely!!! I can’t wait until God blesses me with children. :)

  7. MommyAmy October 5, 2009 at 12:03 pm #

    Love this!!! I’m seriously going to print it and frame it and hang it by my kitchen sink. :)

  8. Shannon October 5, 2009 at 11:39 am #

    Thank you… these words touched me and blessed me!

  9. Katie October 5, 2009 at 11:23 am #

    Beautiful poem!

  10. Sarah October 5, 2009 at 10:24 am #

    this is positively beautiful.

  11. Mandy October 5, 2009 at 9:46 am #

    I loved that!

  12. Sarah October 5, 2009 at 9:39 am #

    Thank you for posting that poem. It truly spoke to my heart. I am a Mom to one and gave up my career when my daughter was born. Thank you so much.

  13. tarena October 5, 2009 at 8:44 am #

    beautiful!!!

  14. Shannon Hazleton October 5, 2009 at 8:33 am #

    Oh, I so needed this today, and it really touched me. Thank you.