As I navigate the journey of parenthood, I often find myself grappling with the weight of profound questions posed by my children. Recently my 5-year-old son innocently asked,
“Mommy, why do you love me?”
It was a simple question, yet it stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me.
In that moment, I began mentally compiling a list of all the reasons why I adore my son – his infectious laughter, his curious spirit, his boundless energy and sense of adventure… But as I delved deeper into my thoughts, I stumbled upon a profound realization: even if he were to lose all these traits, my love for him would remain steadfast and unwavering. His very essence, the core of his being, is enough to captivate my heart.
To buy myself time to effectively answer this delicate question from my son, I asked,
“Why do you think I love you?”
Offering his own explanation, my son innocently and matter-of-factly shrugged,
“Because I give good hugs.”
*Something flickered in my heart…
“You do give great hugs, son – and I love that about you. But that’s not why I love you. I love you because you’re mine.”
In this tender exchange with my son, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the boundless love that God extends to us. His love transcends human comprehension, reaching depths that defy logic and rationale. It’s a love that knows no boundaries, no conditions, and no limits.
God’s affection for us is not contingent on our achievements, our successes, or even our ability to live up to certain standards. It’s rooted in the simple truth that we belong to Him – flawed, imperfect, yet deeply cherished. Just as I hold my son close to my heart simply because he is mine to love, so God embraces us with open arms simply because we are His beloved children.
Yet, despite the overwhelming magnitude of God’s love, many of us struggle to fully embrace it. We shield ourselves behind masks of pseudo-perfection, fearing rejection if our true selves are exposed. But in doing so, we deprive ourselves of the profound joy and liberation that comes from basking in the warmth of His unconditional love.
What if we dared to shed our defenses and embrace God’s love with open hearts? What if we allowed ourselves to be enveloped in the tender embrace of a Father who loves us beyond comprehension? It’s a love that transcends our flaws, our insecurities, and our deepest fears.
As we journey through the complexities of life, let’s cling to the unwavering truth that we are loved beyond measure – not because of anything we do, but simply becausewe are His.
