A Lantern in Her Hand...

A sweet friend, Stephanie L., for my birthday gave me this book- A Lantern in Her Hand.  I have to say that I have not read a lot of fiction in my day but this has been an amazing book- I couldn't put it down.  God has used it to strengthen my zeal for motherhood.  It is the story of a life of a woman, Abbie Deal, and as you journey through her life on the prairie, you see themes of Time and how the clock ticks and how fleeting life and Time really are.  I have been challenged through the book- as you cannot stay Time but cherish it- to cherish my husband and children in the season of life I am in now.  It is a call to not wish away Time but treasure the season.  Michael read the book too and told me he has a new appreciation for mothers and all the sacrifices they do and all they "give up" for their children.  It reminded me of what we do as mothers- die to self- all we give up for her children and yet all we gain- this is how God intended it.  We see one of her daughters who does not want children and the author wants you to think- but think of all that you would miss.  At one point the author asks us as Abbie grieves all the losses of dreams of a mother- "Is motherhood an accomplishment enough?"  The book deals with a woman from childhood to old age and looks at old age and death through a sweet lens.  I think all mothers should read this book and be renewed in their call of the purpose of motherhood and life. 

"You can't describe love, Kathie and you can't define it.  Only it goes with you all your life.  I think that love is more like a light that you carry.  At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance.  Then motherhood lights it and then duty... and maybe after that sorrow.  You wouldn't think sorrow could be a light would you dearie?  But it can.  And then after that, service lights it.  Yes... I think that is what love is to a woman... a lantern in her hand. (p. 210)"