gaze

I delighted in my dad, and yet for me the love of God could best be described as greater than the love of my mother.  Her love and protection shone so brightly on me that I could see God's goodness through her.  I can truthfully say that every time I looked at her, she gave me another loving smile.  Year after year the warmth in her eyes would greet me anew in almost every passing glance that I had the privilege to receive.  She was always so glad to see me, even though she saw me every day.  I have countless childhood memories of looking up to find assurance from my mother's loving gaze manufactured just for me over and over again.     ~Sarah Sumner

Men and Women in the Church: Building Consensus on Christian Leadership

Comments

[A Circle of Quiet]

Tonia, this is the true challenge for me as a homeschooling mother. Can I keep the sparkle in my eye, keep my teeth from clenching, keep my heart soft as I work through The List for the day. I would love my children to be reminded of God's goodness by my smile. Everyday. Every time. Wow.

~Diane

[tonia]

Di,

I know...this passage is just replaying and replaying in my head...I haven't always been a source of affirmation and assurance for my kids. I want to be.

[owlhaven]

Love this thought

[Islandsparrow]

This is an encouragement for me and all of us who are trying to be loving moms. My Mom died 15 years ago and that gaze is what I remember from her. I know she was cross at times - I know that she felt discouraged as a mom at times, but I remember the good and, try as I might, I find it hard to remember the other. Isn't God good? I pray that He will multiply the good in my children's memories and cover the not so good with His forgiveness, tender mercy and grace.

[Heidi]

This is so amzing...thanks.

I'm here via Owlhaven but I'll be back. Really beautiful!

[Columbine]

As a mother with grown children I often wonder how they remember me and their childhood. I can only pray that as Islandsparrow wrote, God will bring to their minds most often the many, many good times, the positives and dim the times when anger, frustration and self prevailed. I am so thankful that He is sovereign and forgives us our sins, that He can work all things for good to those who love Him and are called by Him. Thankful that HE is the one who ultimately forms not just our bodies, but our personalities as well!