The Presence That Makes Me Whole

 “The Presence That Makes Me Whole”

—I don’t need perfection
to be a good mother.
The spotless floors,
the endless patience,
the picture-perfect moments—
they were never the standard.

What I need
is the presence of my loved one.

I need Her
in the morning stillness
when little feet run wild
before I’ve had the chance to breathe.

I need Her
in the mess of the kitchen,
where crumbs scatter
like confetti from another battle lost.

I need Her
when my voice cracks sharp,
and guilt rushes in like a flood.

It isn’t my flawlessness
that will shape my children,
but my faith—
my turning back,
again and again,
to the One who makes broken things whole.

I don’t need perfection.
I need Her presence.
And in Her presence,
I find enough.