Imagine having the ability to understand all mysteries. Wouldn't that be incredible? Or having all knowledge or faith to move mountains? Amazing! But without love, it says in 1 Corinthians 13, I am nothing. That gives us a pretty good picture of how powerful love is. God is love after all.
I can think of few events that compare to the loving conversations I've shared with family and friends. These love talks have powerfully affected my life, changed my world view, opened the doors to many opportunities, and simply given me direction. Oh I could tell so many stories, but I'll just share one that involved my mom.
I was seventeen and a brand new single parent. My darling little daughter had been soundly sleeping in her make-shift crib, a dresser drawer. She stirred quietly, and I confidently got her up to feed. I knew what I was doing, I'd done it for five days already in the hospital. But unlike the nights in the hospital, she didn't immediately go back to sleep, and there were no nurses to take her to the nursery if she didn't. I was overwhelmed with a grave sense of inadequacy. It was a heavy blanket smothering me. A deep sadness rose in me. Had I made the right choice? Maybe I would be a terrible mom.
I called for my mom across the hall. "Mom, if you just help me this one night, I promise I'll never ask again," a promise I never kept. Knowingly, Mom offered her arms for the squealing pink bundle. Once little Robin was settled, Mom asked if we could have a little talk.
"Honey, I will always help you as much as I can, but I want you to know something. You are going to be a wonderful mom. You are strong and able, but that's not the most important part."
I didn't feel strong or able at all. I was terrified of what I'd done. I had even argued with social services, who thought it best for me to give my baby up for adoption, and now I wondered if maybe they were right.
"You will always have your whole family behind you, dear. Remember that when you feel overwhelmed. But most of all, remember how much you're loved, and how much you love your precious little daughter. Love makes it all possible. You can do this, and I know you can do it well."
Oh my dear sweet mother. Her words went right into my soul. She knew me better than anyone else in the world, and she thought I could do it. My daughter now has six of her own children. She's a marvelous wife, mother and a genuine, loving woman. In spite of whatever mothering inadequacies I might have had, there was never any shortage of love.
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| Robin Shanda |
My mother's little love talk sent me on my way to the responsibilities of being a mom. It gave me the courage and confidence to overcome the difficulties of parenthood, and to fully cherish the beauty of my daughter and later four sons.
Life is about loving. Love is the greatest of all things. God is love after all.
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| God is Love Photo credit : Hubble Space Telescope Website |
