Recently I got to visit my oldest daughter Meghan and her husband. I cannot describe what a wonderful visit it was. We had a good time, we talked about many things and it was wonderful to see my daughter all grown up in her own home. Ahhhhhh.
There really is not a better feeling than to spend time with grown up children and feel so happy that they did listen to you about some things. It is also great to realize they did not pick up all your bad habits but have thought through and learned many better ways than you taught them.
As I was reveling in this amazing brief visit I began to wonder if God as our parent feels this way. The day that I finally get it and let go and allow God to be in charge - what a proud parent God must be. Or when God and I have a conversation where I don't do all the talking but I deeply listen to wisdom from the one who created me.
Of course when you think this way about parenting, your own children and God your parent - you can't help but remember that there were days when you wanted to disown your children. Then I begin to imagine God's head shaking as I (for the umpteenth time) do something really stupid. God must be so hurt when I have turned my back and knew that I could do things better my way.
The ultimate satisfaction of being a parent is knowing that no matter where your child has been or what they do - you love them. You may not like how they are behaving or agree with the decisions they are making - but you love them unconditionally.
As I breathe in that feeling of love that is bigger than my lungs can handle I remember that God must feel the same way about me and you. Even when I am struggling God loves me, accepts me and loves me way to much to leave me the way I am. Wow.
Today my heart takes me one step further. What about all those beautiful children of God who don't know how much they are loved? My heart longs for the people I sit and watch in airports who are not happy, who treat family members badly, and don't like themselves. I long to have them know the feelings I have felt when I realize how much God loves all of creation and like a good parent wants only the best for us.
How will I share that kind of love with the world? How will you let people know how God feels about them? How will we, the church, reach out and enfold the world with God's love? I end with the prayer that God will help open my eyes to the way. Amen.
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