I received this prayer at my baptism class for Hailey. There is just something about it that really hit me hard – especially tonight while my little girl is having a hard time sleeping. She’s had a fever all day and seems to be a bit congested now. We sit and stress, hoping that we can all get through the night without any issues. This might be a loooong night.

“A Young Parent’s Prayer”

They’re only little once, lord.

Grant me the wisdom to guide them down the path that their feet should take.
For I know that they can never turn back and walk those paths with me again.
Give me the wisdom to guide their feet so that someday they’ll be able to walk alone.

They’re only little once, lord.

Give me the time I need to enjoy them. for I know that after they’re grown,
I’ll never have another chance to tell stories and pretend at those tea parties.
I’ll never have another chance to watch them in a school play or church sing,
or to see them catch that first fish or hit that first home run ball. Give me the time in life’s busy schedule to have fun with my children.

They’re only little once, lord

Let me be a loving parent. Let me correct and not just punish, explain and
not merely scold. Let me know when to correct, and how often, and when
it’s best to just look the other way. Help me be patient and give me a gentle
hand to mold them into better people

They’re only little once, lord

Let me be a good teacher and an even better example. Give me the right
words and deeds to teach them of your everlasting love.
Let me tell them your story and live your commandments so that they’ll long
for your kingdom and live their lives accordingly. Grant me the key to unlock their spirits and set them truly free.

For lord, they’re only little one time, only innocent and trusting and pliable for a space of time, one minute in an eternity. Let me do my best for them
while I have the chance.