“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
Republished from the archives…
I had forgotten this poem. Thank you for re-posting it. I really needed to read it again.
Reminds me of this poem:
She Loves Well
Hidden away in her secret garden Pleasing her husband, raising her children
Singing her song while she’s cleaning her kitchen She loves well
She’s finding her way, finding her treasure Keeping her home has become her pleasure She knows her success is only measured By how she loves well
Invisibly picking up the toys off the floor Hospitably willing to open her door To welcome the weary, the sinner, the poor
She loves well
I LOVE this poem and I don’t even have children yet! It speaks to me as God is continually challenging me to find my worth & value in Christ– and not in what culture says makes me important. “The girl I used to be” in this poem is very similar to the girl I used to be. Thank you Jesus for continually transforming me- my thoughts & heart…
Impeccable timing!
Our friends are expecting their first child any day now, so I copied it and sent it to them!
Hey Lindsay,
I was reading your post about safe cookware, and noticed your update about what the Weston A. Price foundation has to say about stainless steel. I have the same Cusinart cookware that you do. What do you think about all this? Is your goal, as finances permit, to switch to something else? I cook so, so, so much, and don’t want to be using pots that are harmful. I would love to know your thoughts on the issue. Any plans to get the All-clad? Also, what are your thoughts on copper cookware?
Thank you!
Kelsey
No, honestly, I don’t plan to switch until it is completely necessary. I use what I have for the duration of its life. I just don’t believe it is worth stressing over or in line with being a good steward to throw perfectly usable products out. I still believe stainless steel to be the best option most reasonable option for us.
Lovely. Thank you.
That was beautiful and something I really needed to read today!
Thank you for sharing.
Oh I love this poem, really puts into light on those “off” days as to why we do what we do….and who we’re doing them for! I’m going to print & hang where I can see on a daily basis – Thanks for sharing!
That was beautiful and timeless.
Thank you for sharing this today, it was such a sweet blessing to my heart. How we long for the past at times, but then look to the “race” that is set before us in raising a godly heritage. What a gift from our heavenly Father! I’m thanking GOD for his grace in this area.