“A Mother’s Version of 1 Corinthians 13” is something I’ve had tucked away in my files for years. Every time I pull it out, I am convicted of the most important things in this stage of life. While I’m out of pocket, I thought I would share this, and I pray that God uses it as a gentle reminder of those things most important. Much love to you all~
A Mother’s version of 1 Cor. 13
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper – not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness – not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child’s laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through the trials.
Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Love is the key that opens salvation’s message to a child’s heart.
Before I became a mother, I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God’s perfection of my child.
But the greatest of all is love.
– Author unknown
Oh dear friends~ I am praying for each of you today – as you continue to love your babies who are now walking into adulthood. I know that each of you have mothered in the strength and to the glory of our Lord – and that He has incredible joys for you and your children in the days ahead!
Much love to all three of you!
Jen
PS: Julie – you are a riot! You should have your own commedy blog!!!
How painfully beautiful this is for me today; we've just stood alongside our son and watched him graduate from college over the weekend. Now, to fully release him to his "next." Not an easy thing for this mother's heart, but a good thing. I've haven't always parented perfectly, but I've always done so willingly.
I love m children!
peace~elaine
I really like the post today, Jen.
Riley has walked across 2 stages in 2 weeks – one at church and one at graduation.
We are moving more and more into that parents with adult children mode.
Oh boy, do I miss those little kid days at Ridgecrest – some days!
Love you,
Melanie
Well, great. I was fine until I got to "…then stands aside to allow the youth to walk into adulthood…" Pass the kleenex. I can only speak for myself, but this is the hugest hurdle for me…and I'm convinced more and more everyday that this is some of the childbearing pain we've been under since Eve goofed it up! :o/ I am really concerned that I may slowly morph into a blend of Marie Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond" and the crazy old-lady-mom in the children's book, "I'll Love You For Always."