to nurture

It can be said that women have an inherent need to nurture. Not all women will agree with this sentiment, but I for one am a woman who was born to nurture. I nurture my children, my family; I nurture plants, I nurture Ferrel cats who aren't able to give me anything in return. There is something inside me that is greatly satisfied when I know that I am caring for the well-being of another. I think so much of the mundane things we do as mothers fall under the heading of nurturing that the joy is lost somewhere in translation. Today however, I was happy for my moments of nurturing.

I was grateful to nurture Benjamin while we snuggled on the couch. He is one kid who needs a constant flow of love and kindness for all to be right between the two of us. If I'm not working at it, our relationship suffers. But when I try, it's a beautiful thing.

I was grateful to hold Jacob and rock him in the rocking chair while he drank his vanilla soy milk. It's been a year since he's let me rock him. It reminded me of our nursing days. My heart hurt a little, but I was oh so grateful to re-live that moment again.

I was grateful sit and listen to Savannah while she read to me. She is one who wants to please others so much. She is my peacemaker. My show-er of affection.

And lastly, I was grateful for those Ferrel cats. Because they looked so happy all snuggled up in that blanketed box after eating the bowl of food I put out for them.

See? Nurturing. What a wonderful concept.