The girl I used to be...

An excerpt from
Womanly Dominion -- on my "to read" list

She came in 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 pleased 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 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
taken from Womanly Dominion
-----------------------------------------------

I have to admit there are many days I miss the "girl I used to be". There are many days where I think I am a horrible mother and that this just isn't the way I imagined it all to be. But even with the multiple cries in the night, toddler tantrums, playtime mediation, and 100's of cups of spilled milk... I can confidently say I love the life God has given me.
And I think "the girl I used to be" loves it too.