When? by Donna (Ensign) Woods

When to scold
When to simply hold.
When to laugh or cry
Or simply breathe a sigh
When to give stern advice
Or agree.....while smiling nice...
When to stand up
And when to shut up
When to share and teach
Or stomp your foot and preach
When to speak up and be heard
Or quietly listen to their every word
.....When to speak....
And when to just pray and seek.
When to lend a helping hand
Or step back and teach them to stand
When to praise and encourage
Or weigh the facts...and discourage.
When to be humble and apologize
Or simply agree to compromise
When laughter and love is enough
Knowing sometimes love is tough
Hoping and praying for what is best
Knowing each day is trial and test
Choosing carefully the words we say
Making memories along the way
When to have faith and be strong
Facing each day with a song
.....A job that compares to no other
A labor of love....being a Mother !