“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16
As parents, we are usually focused on making sure our children are fed, clothed and generally cared for. We work hard to make sure they lack nothing and are physically healthy. We feel happy when we see them grow with the best that we can give them. On occasion, we even forget to care for ourselves, thinking that our children are worth all of our effort and care. Nevertheless, we become frustrated when they make poor decisions, even as adults, and when we see them suffer for their mistakes. It makes us ask the questions, “How did we fail? What did I not give them? What did I not do well?” Today we want to share a word of encouragement. Remember, you didn’t do everything wrong; there are always things we could not prevent or anticipate. Also, our sons and daughters have to right to make their own decisions, even if they are not always the best ones.
We must keep in mind as parents that God always has our children in mind. As the passage above says, “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,” even if it is not obvious in the moment. Let’s continue to give them the best of us, which could be:
- Your best smile every day.
- Don’t forget to tell them you are proud of them and happy they are your sons and daughters.
- Celebrate with your children when they triumph. When they fail or suffer,give them your support and confidence. Tell them that it will pass and that God will sustain them.
- Let them know and feel that you are with them in the good and the bad, in an unconditional way.
These are the small / big things your children want from their parents. It will also show them in the future they have someone whom they can trust. They will learn by what you have lived with them. They will learn that God will not abandon them but rather sustain them, giving the strength and the confidence to face the difficulties of life. It will also help them to trust in God as the Helper in their lives.
To be parents now is more complicated than it was in the last century, but as conscientious parents we must understand that our principle task is to give the best of ourselves. That happens when we are willing to give the little big things they need without expecting anything in return. In this way we will see them overcome in the middle of difficulties, because we have nurtured within them the capacity to face and victoriously overcome them.
May God help you implement all you’ve learned.
Dr. Miguel and Irene Garita, Family Care Ministry, Mesoamerica Region
