The Tribune

By Rev. Angela Palacious

If we consider human relationships as a way to teach us something about the God who created us, then we are able to look at parenting, for example, with new eyes. Let us consider some of the parallels.

The fetus is totally dependent on its mother for everything, so that she has to make wise choices about eating, resting, remaining calm, not smoking and taking good care of herself. This is what we are to be like when it comes to our relationship with God. We are to “live and move and have our being in God”, which means to be so totally dependent upon the wisdom of God that we remain connected to our source in order to thrive in every way.

The love of parents is intended to be unconditional, sacrificial, life-long, protective, personal and selfless, offering discipline to develop morality, spirituality and character. God sets us the supreme example of such love, magnified a million times over, in the sending of a Son to die on a cross to teach us how to be truly human. We have to come to understand how God loves so that we rest assured of that love whether we feel it or not.

Praying parents are a blessing to any child. Many keep vigil while children are out and pray over them while the children are sleeping. So it is that Our Lord Jesus Christ intercedes for us at the right hand of God. The faithful prayers of loved ones are able to bring results in different ways as they offer spiritual sustenance over the years. It is wonderful to know that others are praying for us, and that God is watching over us all of the time.

The baby comes to know the faces and voices of parents at quite an early age and responds enthusiastically when they appear. There is security to be found in their parents’ arms, and sleep comes more easily when they are near. Likewise, the Christian finds peace and joy unspeakable, “leaning on the everlasting arms,” and “surely, I am with you always” (Matt. 28: 20 NIV) is a promise that God knows we all need to hear.

As you journey through this life, be more aware of the lessons that you are able to learn about the character and ways of God. Reflect on the admirable qualities that are reflected in the lives of those who are around you. Talk with older persons and patiently listen to the lessons that they have had to learn the hard way, or the wisdom passed down to them from the previous generation.

At this time, we find ourselves between the celebrations of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Use it as a time to meditate on God as creator, who parents us, and loves us, wanting only the best for us in order to cultivate the character of Christ in us. Then let us not only teach others what we learn, but let us vow to obediently follow the will of God, so that we may lead our children, and those of others, in the paths of righteousness and truth.