“Still, he loved him, and he cherished the sorrow and suffering of love more than the joy and happiness without the boy.” (Herman Hesse, Siddhartha)
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert” (Hebrews 3:7-8, NIV).
Some days, affections are difficult to control. Tears sneak out of my eyes, and my emotions make me vulnerable. I want to hide my feelings and look strong. Then, I remember that a hard heart is the terrible result of pride.
Parenting adults is a whole new challenge. When they were small, affection felt natural. They ran to me! I comforted, encouraged, and loved them with a heart full of love.
Now, these kids are taller than me. Sometimes they think they know more than Mama in her silly, simple faith. I borrow a book from my son. It’s not a Christian one. I read about a father who loved his son painfully. The affection in my heart reverberates with his…the sorrow too.
I wonder if this book will be a bridge from my heart to my son’s. I wonder whether those tears will betray my vulnerability. Affection is a sign of a soft heart. Though it feels weak, it is evidence of God’s strength.
LORD, help me love my big kids with a soft and obedient heart. If you call me to be open about the struggles, let it be so. A humble heart pleases You.
Use my affection to demonstrate Your love!
Anna, it was far easier for me as well to parent my children when they were younger. And like you, tears roll easy. I have always disliked that about myself. But as the years have passed, I am grateful for they remind me that my heart is still feeling, still soft. “Use my affection to demonstrate Your love!” Amen. That was my prayer as well this morning 🙂 Blessings to you!
Love ” Affection is a sign of a soft heart.”
I don’t know why I had such a hard time thinking of something to write about this prompt. There was a complete block.
Maybe I should not have been in such a hurry to post something and taken time to read what others had to say first.
May God give you your heart’s desire!!! Love, Gina
The heart we soften through practiced affection may well be the strength that changes the world.