See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
I have two children...and I love them beyond measure. They are adults now, with lives that reach far beyond the space once occupied by the nurture and guidance I offered when they lived in my home. Much of what they do, see or think is unknown to me. Their experiences are occasionally shared with me...but most often I am not a part of their days. Love's mysterious force tugs at my heart and stimulates thoughts of them several times each day. I enfold them in an embrace despite our distance and I pray for the wholeness of their hearts...for the peace of their minds.
My love for them amazes me. It is powerful, poignant and, sometimes painful. Parental love requires supporting and encouraging children as they move away from you. It is a love that must patiently abide the times when there is little communication...even when I suspect that my child is doing something that is a bit foolish or even dangerous...even when I know that something exceedingly joyful is unfolding for them. It is a love that reaches its greatest intensity when I step away from their lives so that they can live their own questions and experiences.
I wait for their return home....I wait to see them and to hear their voices. Their willingness to share what they have learned generates within me a deep appreciation ... and a profound gratitude. Their return home speaks of an openness...an availability to reuniting with their origin. They are simultaneously different (because of their life lessons) and the same...because they are my children.
If these are the qualities of human love for children, how much more amazing must the love of God be for us?
We wander through the world, bumping up against situations where we will be seen as different...even misunderstood...even rejected. As God's children we are free (and compelled) to learn in our own unique contexts how the love of God will empower us to be messengers of the eternal promises. We are free to make choices...sometimes wise...sometimes foolish. Each situation forms us, and through Christ, purifies us in some way.
And God is always there...praying for us, infusing us with a loving promise of peace of mind and wholeness of heart...waiting for us with the open arms of the divine...waiting for us to return home.
(image from The Lightwriter)
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