Mother's Day and Graduation

I'm back from several days in Florida.  I have a special elephant story to share from this past week in Florida, but that will have to wait for another Friday.  Because today we leave for Lawrence, as this weekend our daughter graduates from KU.  We're proud of her, especially since she took some time off last year and so often, people don't end up finishing when they take time off -- or it may be several years later before they go back.
Since KU's graduation day this year is also Mother's Day, today's featured elephant(s) is especially appropriate.  When Jessica was in first grade she gave me a very special planter for Mother's Day which was decorated with elephants drawn by her as well as a school picture of her that year.

Every mother treasures those special hand-made gifts from their children.  This one held an African violet for awhile, but after the violet died, I decided to keep the pot in my hutch with much of the rest of my collection. 
Motherhood is the greatest gift God has given me, and never have I been prouder than I will be this weekend.  Thank you Jessica for the sweet memories.  May you be blessed eternally.  Here's a prayer from Ephesians which especially resonates for me when Jessica is in my heart. 

 "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may
be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." 
Ephesians 1: 17-19                                        

And may the Lord be with all of us mothers who surrender our children daily to His care.  Help us to trust, Lord.