Hi everyone,
I know, this is a day late. But it was Mother’s Day yesterday and actually the first that I could do something meaningful for the mother of my children since she became the mother of my children. Or, I should say, the first time I could organise our kids to do something meaningful for their mom.
While it wasn’t super special (we made her breakfast in bed complete with homemade cards and we went out for lunch without her to give her peace and quiet… much needed since we were forced into a homeschooling situation), but I was quite impressed with how the kids really jumped up to the task. Usually they mumble and groan whenever we talk about chores around the house, but they were excited to do all these things for their mom. They woke up without complaints (actually they were awake already, but they usually complain when they have to leave their rooms before they are ready) and followed instruction really well (it was the most simple breakfast ever… one that even I could make) and when we left the house they went so willingly, only complaining that I drive too fast… (not that I condone such action).
They wanted to do what they did for Mother’s Day because they really love their mom. Now that it’s the day after, I wonder what today will bring…
Happy belated Mother’s Day!
Here are the readings for next week:
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
1 Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
Jesus’ words here used to haunt me as a kid, “if you love me…” like there was a condition to everything we do. But as I learned in adulthood and beyond, that phrase is probably better translated as “because you love me”, which to me sounds much better and more in line with what I believe to be the nature of our relationship with God.
In that we aren’t to prove our love by doing things that we don’t want to do, but rather we do what we want to do and because we love, what we want to do is congruent to what pleases God. So much like my kids excited to do things for their mother whom they love so much, so are we changed in who we are and what we do, not just to please God but to act and live as a people redeemed by God’s love.
So we serve, we worship, we live in right relationship and community and we can lean on the strength of the Advocate who remains with us. This is especially true at this time, as many of our friends, family, and maybe even ourselves are starting to feel the toll of this pandemic and lockdown stretching out about 8 weeks too long. May we, in our lives and relationships, be a constant reminder that we are not alone during this time but we are supported and cared for by the steadfast love and eternal kingdom and community of God, that even when we cannot see each other face-to-face, we can see and feel the love shared among us all.
Peace be with you all, and may this week of forecasted cooler (and more moist) weather treat you well.