GOD’S BLESSING

Another one of those phone calls with one of my children. I listened with empathy to the anguish of growing up. I related so deeply to her turmoil. It was easy to listen to her and to understand her disappointment and anxiety. My compassion grew from my own experience. Been there, done that. How well I remember the twists and tangles of my own youth.

I ended the call by telling her a list of the qualities that I admire in her. I love her courage, her willingness to take on new challenges, her intelligence, her introspection and insight. The list went on. When I hung up the phone, I realized the other parts of her that I also love – her imperfection, her struggles, her impulsiveness and her impatience. She wants so badly to do the right thing and sometimes finds herself doing the opposite. I love her not only in the proud, sunny moments. My heart holds her close even when she infuriates and frustrates me.

In my love for my children, I try not to focus on their mistakes and shortcomings. Instead I try to see the beauty and courage and goodness that is in them. I cherish them even more because of their imperfection and vulnerability. They need my love for them more because, like me, they are not perfect. I pray for their safety and well-being. I pray that they will know the best parts of themselves. I want so much for them.

I marvel at the thought that God loves all of us perfectly with such fierce tenderness. We yearn for God’s blessing; we work hard to be worthy of it. We try to earn this blessing. But it is not about earning. It is already there. It is not about earning, but about owning, claiming, realizing, allowing ourselves to know that we are beloved by God.

I believe God is pleased with me as I am, just me – with all my frenzy and frantic busy-ness, losing my temper or losing my way. Sometimes in quiet moments of prayer, God is saying to me: “Just slow down. Be still and know that I am God. And that I love you.” And that is all we need to know.

— Susan Shearhouse

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist