Love thy neighbor as thyself

They are not my own…

Who, you might ask? Simply, my children. You may grow bored with my repetitive reminder that I had longed to be a nun or a mother. I took longer to marry which was quite contrary to my familial culture in which I had been raised. In some respects, the holding onto children even into adulthood may seem to some quite a unique experience. And, I will not convince you otherwise because no two families are ever the same in values, beliefs, and principles. However, I knew my situation growing up and I had made a decision to love and raise my children and make them independently strong enough to move forward and continue the spread of God’s good news to the world. I hope I have done that. It’s hard to tell in the adolescent stage when they mostly have a disagreeable look on their face, so I can never just read their mood. However, I encourage free thinking from them. I encourage them to question everything and dig for the answers before succumbing to conclusions rather to follow the “In” crowd. Sometimes during adolescence their curiosity is too strong towards secular happiness and successes as was mine at their age. I too left the church believing and trusting in my own strength only to fall on my face and realize I was nothing without the love and redemption of Christ the Savior.

But, we each must come to Him on our own. Thus, the meaning of “Free Will.” It must be love truly given without force. The freedom to realize that His path is the only true path to freedom. So, many of us wander for a while. Some may wander aimlessly without the Lord for decades, but I say pray and don’t lose hope. God calls us all in different ways and in due time, and it is not for us to know.

Therefore, I keep my children on a short tether as teens and allow curiosity and I do my best to provide guidance and hopeful expectations. But, I know they are human and we are prone to sin. As Jesus does not expect perfection from us, but true effort, that is how I raise my children. Even in the midst of their curious years, as they may make mistakes with poor life choices, they always know they can count on my endless love to get them through any turmoil or distress while I am still here annoying them. Phew! That was getting deep for a minute! I had to make a little funny remark, so you know that I like laughter and joy even in subjects that are difficult to discuss.

Love your children as Christ loves us. Be the model of holiness, forgiveness, and love. As you plant that seed within them, they too may pay it forward to the next generation. God bless. Much Love. by Isabel Anderson