Mothers, be patient.

I know full well that you have much to bear,
But speak not harshly to the little ones
Who bring thee care.
A little child,
A fragile, tender plant that holds your heart
With love so strong, which you will only gauge
If you should part.
Noisy? Tis health,
And yet it needs but just a sudden chill,
A few sad hours upon the rack,
And all is still.
So still! So still!
The darling face is white; your eyes are wet,
Although the echo of the pattering feet
Is with you yet.
What would you give
To see those eyes with laughter lit once more!
To hear those feet go bounding overhead
And shake the floor!
Then think in time;
Prize well the worth of child life with you now,
And never meet the merry shouts of glee
With fretful brow.
And, more than all,
With song and joy to cheer, to you is given,
(Then let the joy be wise, of Christ the song),
And lead to heaven.
Great is your trust;
Oh, let the reaping of the after-years
Be of the sowing of your patient love
And many prayers.
Look up for strength;
The God who placed that child within your care
Will give you all you need to teach of heaven
And guide it there.

from How should a child be trained by J C Ryle