The love of a parent
A parent never wants to see their child in pain. They would do anything they possibly could to prevent their suffering including taking the pain on themselves. That is what a parent would do if they could, but we can’t. The fact is, we will never be able to protect our children from feeling pain. We can never shield them from the hardships of life and the struggles they will encounter on their journey. We can’t control every aspect of their lives in hopes that we will make everything perfect and no harm will come to them. Today, I witnessed my child discover that for herself with her own child. It wasn’t easy and I remember feeling the way she felt in that moment when words that were not meant to be harsh, but realistic, cut deep into her heart. No matter what you do, you will not be able to control all that happens when your child is not with you-in fact, you can’t control it when she is with you.
As I reflected on the day today, I became more and more grateful that God is our Father. You see, God doesn’t want to see us in pain either. He did not want nor create us to suffer. He gave us freewill and in that freedom came suffering. I think of all the times I wanted to shield my kids from bumps and bruises, but if I put them in a bubble, they would never know the joys of riding their bikes with abandon or running full speed in circles not knowing when they would collapse. I hesitate every time they get behind the wheel to drive knowing the world is not safe and that a moment can change a life, but if I didn’t let them learn to drive, they would be limited in seeing the world and venturing on their own. Instead of removing their freedom and keeping them sheltered, I have to let them go knowing that in doing so, they will feel pain…but heavens, they will feel immeasurable joy as well.
So, today, as I saw my child hurting with the realization that she cannot shield her daughter from the world, I knew what she needed most. I held her and told her it will all be ok and when she faltered, I did not let her stand alone. God does the same for us time and again. He never leaves our side and when the pain comes, He is always there to hold us and help us stand when we have lost the will to stand on our own. How grateful are you that He is our Father?
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1, NIV)
Today, I pray that you see God as your parent, your Father. He may not keep all pain away, but He never leaves your side and He will always love you through your suffering.
