My sweet boys
“People will forget what you said
People will forget what you did
But people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Curled up on the bed, reading a bible story before the lights were turned out, our bedtime routine was always the same. I wanted to spend that sweet time with them, and would tell my boys they were each my favorite son. My favorite oldest son, my favorite youngest son— who I now call my favorite California boy.
I always wanted them to feel cherished, special and
Beloved.
When they overflowed the toilet with too much paper…I still loved them.
When they broke my favorite vase playing ball in the house…I still loved them.
When they wailed in time-out…I still loved them.
When they got their first traffic ticket…I still loved them.
When they were late for curfew…I still loved them.
The world is tougher now than when they were five. The negatives, the trials and the disappointments flow freely. Tearing down, puncturing and wounding them as they strive to walk like him.
I still try to do my part, with those words and a big hug— even if I am just Mom,
To let them know they are
Beloved.
God tells me I am chosen. I am his special possession. He doesn’t set apart his other marvelous creations—the animals, flowers and trees…as special.
Only me, because you see— I am his
Beloved.
Even when I forget to pray.
Even when I get tangled up in webs of my own making.
Even when I lash out at him in frustration and anger.
Even when I turn away in disappointment and apathy.
He knocks on my heart.
He softly calls my name.
His spirit moves in me, nudging, cajoling, urging.
Reminding me he is there
Even when I don’t see him
Even when I don’t feel him
Even when I just want to be left alone to wallow a while.
He opens the door on my darkness
The warm and brilliant light of his being envelops me
The darkness in my life is vanquished
I am Beloved.
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I Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
-Who made you feel special in your life?
-Make a point to write a note of thanks to them.
-Praise God right now that you are special in his sight.