That Old Momma Magic

Momma Magic.

There's nothing quite like it in the world. There is Momma Magic in a healing kiss and in the way a mom often knows when something is on her child's mind. It's the dad-gum-eyes-in-the-back-of-her-head and the way she always knew when you were up to no good. There is magic in a momma's hands. This is why her cookies are the sweetest and why only her cool hands on your feverish forehead will do. Momma Magic explains all your perfectly perfect birthday parties and how the Christmas gift you longed for but never requested ended up under the tree. It is why we can believe in magic past childhood, long after Santa and the Tooth Fairy are memories.

My favorite Momma Magic is the wish-granting kind. Oh, yes. I perform that kind of magic as often as possible. It takes some practice at first and some effort to get into the wish-granting habit. It requires a strong sense of play and being open to unlimited possibility. Wish-granting requires a busy momma to be willing to toss aside her to do list and just be. It requires a sense of wonder and a good memory for all the magic of childhood. I think it's a purposeful kind of magic to chose to say, "Yes!" instead of "Maybe later." Wish granting means that you listen, really listen, and when your child idly says, "Wouldn't it be fun if we ______________?", you say, "Well, let's go!"

That's powerful magic indeed. Strong enough to create a foundation of love that will carry a little one through all the storms of this earth. Real Magic.

Right now Sloane is in the backyard in the dark in a hammock, covered in bug spray and blankets, enjoying sleeping outside - all alone. Here's how it happened.

Earlier tonight Sloane and I were outside enjoying the magic hour. We were swinging in the hammock, catching fireflies, playing on the swing set, and singing. Oh my! How we did sing. After it was dark we snuggled together on the hammock for Bible story and prayers. After that, we lay there together just being quiet.

After a bit, Sloane said, "Momma, I wish I could spend the night in the hammock."

I said, "Me too. Maybe we can do that one night this week."

"No. Not us. Just me. All by myself."

"Tonight? All by yourself?"

"Yes. All by myself. It would be so cool."

Bibibity Bobbity Boo! ...Wish granted.

The first image created by andrea.b. I took all the rest tonight. For more photo magic click here and here.