What does a mother do to express her love?

When I came into motherhood, I had a picture of how things would be. You know the picture I’m talking about. Endless nights of reading and playing, children obediently following directions and life filled with smiles and laughter. Hmmm—Something else happened on the way to the nursery!

What I found out is that my perfect picture was not necessarily destroyed, but was molded into a picture that brought more clarity. See, what I was bringing to motherhood was an idea that I created. But, what I found out was that my son was not another “me”. He was created by God to be an individual. I can’t make him into the man I picture. God is molding and shaping him into the man He wants him to be.

Perspective change– I see my child for who he is and all that he has brought into my life. Just when I think I have figured him out, he does something different. (This keeps me on my toes!) Just when I think I can’t handle another wild idea, he hugs me and tells me he loves me. (this encourages me to be thankful for his love). Just when I think he is still a child, I look at him and see a young man. (this helps me to appreciate each moment).

How do I show a child that has brought such meaning to my life, the depth of my love for him?

I can hold him, tell him I love him, spend time together (for a teenager, sometimes that’s not desirable!). These are the ways I know to show a tangible love to him. But what I desire most is to lead him to a relationship with Christ. And I don’t think that means leading him in a prayer and walking away thinking everything is taken care of. I believe that means living a life before him that shows my love for Christ—showing him that everyone has worth, relationships do matter and loving one another is our true calling—all else just falls into place.

This is how I want to love my child, with the love that Jesus has shown me. Then, His perfect picture can become clear and all will see why this child was created.