News
1 Corinthians 13 for Moms
Updated Friday May 22, 2009
Though I frequently caution and advise my children with my motherly understanding and good judgment, if I have not love, I am like the whistle on their toy choo choo train or the noisy popping sound from their toy corn popper.
And though I train them to say please and thank you and to stay out of the street, and tell them how caterpillars turn into butterflies and all the parables Jesus taught, and though my faith is deep enough to face their first tumble down the stairs or trip to the emergency ward -- yet I never take the time to hold or listen to my child -- my instruction is in vain.
And though I prepare well-balanced meals, insist that they eat all their veggies, and avoid all fast food happy meals -- yet never outwardly express my love in their presence to give them that warm and fuzzy feeling -- I have given them no nourishment.
Love is patient through childish gibberish, spilt juice on the floor, toys scattered throughout the house and their refusal to lie still during a diaper change.
Love keeps on giving even when our children show no interest in our profound wisdom and years of experience, or want us to let them out of the car a block from school to avoid being seen with us.
Love doesn’t get jealous when our friends have a newer and fancier stroller or high-tech baby equipment in their more elaborate nursery.
Love isn’t rude when given the title of “Meanest Mom,” or easily angered when a childish nightmare interrupts our sleep after an exhausting day.
Love is gracious when our child falls over a toy he refused to put away, and is silent when experience has the chance to be the best teacher.
Love never fails. For where there are Mom’s Day Out groups, they will become unnecessary; where there are parenting classes, they will lose their significance; where there are recitals and sports events to see our kids strut their stuff, well, they grow up. For we are Moms only a brief time -- for when Christ returns, all these adventures will end. When I was a young mother, I thought I knew what I was doing, but was always tired and looking for a moment to put my feet up. When I became an ‘empty nester,’ I discovered the real meaning of faith and trust, as I placed them into the Hands of God -- and let go.
Now we see only our meager efforts to raise our precious children in the truth and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, but someday we will meet Him face to face.
And now these three remain: dependent, curious children; steadfast, faithful Mothers; and love; but the greatest of these is love.
