Gentle Reminder

     I watch my children struggle,

  Make choices they'll regret;

  But when I try to intercede

  The spirit cries "not yet!"

  My aching heart grows heavy,

  And I begin to pray;

"I love them, Father, so much,

  There are not words to say."

  Then quietly the message comes,

  "I know, I love them too;

  Though hard for you to understand,

  I love them more than you do."

  "How could that be?" I wonder,

  "You know, I am their mother;

  I would give my life for them,

  I love them like no other."

  And patiently, He chastens me,

  "Remember, cherished daughter;

  They're yours because I sent them,

  But I am still their Father."

 

Author's Comments: Oh the principle of agency…and how difficult to watch our children apply it. Who knew parenting could be so difficult and yet so rewarding. What different perspective is ours when we remember they are Heavenly Father’s children before they are our own.  And He loves them infinitely more than we can even begin to comprehend. How humbling to know He has entrusted them to our care with the expectation that we will do our very best to help them return home to Him someday.