Sheila Shaw writes about finding the courage to do difficult things.
This weekend, motherhood is on our mind and the commercial world tells us that it is Mothers' Day tomorrow.
Mothers value gestures of love from their children; any time, any day; expensive gifts are not necessary.
Commercialism is not all bad, it provides work for many and the publicity reminds us all to honour our parents.
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Religions agree on this, so let us be united on this day.
Many Christian churches distribute simple bunches of flowers to children, to give to their mothers on Mothering Sunday, the day, when historically, religious custom reunited families.
On a mellow spring like day, adorned with the beauty of sunshine and flowers, I walked past a primary school as the sound of children singing wafted through the open windows.
This week those children, along with many others, will have been making cards for their mothers.
The excitement of a child preparing to make the day special for their mother is a joy.
The singing of those children reminded me of a Holy Man who told me that the sound of a child's voice in church gave him inspiration and the strength to follow his vocation.
For the lucky ones a mother's love is a treasure carried through a lifetime. Even when we behave badly or do awful things our mother remains steadfast in her love.
Sometimes mothers remain true even when their children have been guilty of heinous crimes, spare a thought for mothers in these tragic circumstances.
Christians believe that the Love of God is unconditional too.
Have a care for the isolated elderly and those whose children have predeceased them, no smile or hug for them, just precious memories and perhaps a photograph to hold close.
For those too, whose desire for motherhood has never been fulfilled, or mothers who are separated from their children, spare a thought.
The same for children left motherless, there are many such in the world today. We CAN DO something.
Parenting is not easy; it does not always go well. Sometimes mothers, and fathers too, can be too protective, too demanding and letting go' can be difficult.
Sometimes power masquerades as love, relationships become distorted and the love between parent and child is fractured.
What then to do? Try to understand, patch it up if you can - build bridges - say sorry - try to start again - what better time to do that, than now?
Who should be the first to make a move? YOU of course, parent or child. Show love. Love gives freedom not restriction.
Making up is often very hard to do, as the song tells us, but find the courage to do the difficult thing, send a positive message by any route.
Don't leave it until too late. It is very difficult to communicate when standing in a cold cemetery, as your tears drop silently and the floral spray lies forlornly at your feet.
FLOWERS FOR THE LIVING' is the message, literally or metaphorically.
Flowers don't have to cost much, a single bloom says all, and a hug or a smile costs nothing any day.
Posted by: Sheila, Blackburn on 2:06pm Sat 1 Mar 08
Dear Simplysimon
Thank you for reading the blog and your comment.
I could write lots about the joys of life and the sorrows too. Joy of life eternal..... I leave to those who know more about that than me. Especially on this Lenten Blog.
Sheila
Dear Simplysimon
Thank you for reading the blog and your comment.
I could write lots about the joys of life and the sorrows too. Joy of life eternal..... I leave to those who know more about that than me. Especially on this Lenten Blog.
Posted by: simplysimon, burnley on 5:02pm Sat 1 Mar 08
To be content
To be in peace
To understand
To enjoy this Life.
To look at this journey - not by failures
To look at this journey - not by successes
But to look at this journey, as it has been given.
As the most Precious Gift! That is what it is.
The most Precious Gift that could possibly be given to a human being, and here, you have it.
It is the sum of all desires fulfilled.
It is everything that you have always wanted.
And it is everything that you will ever want.
This One Place within you, where there are no doubts, where there are no questions, where there is Clarity, where there is Understanding
where there is a Celebration of Life going on, and You are welcomed. You are welcome to come and participate.
Take part in that celebration of existence Because you are the only one who can go there
To be content
To be in peace
To understand
To enjoy this Life.
To look at this journey - not by failures
To look at this journey - not by successes
But to look at this journey, as it has been given.
As the most Precious Gift! That is what it is.
The most Precious Gift that could possibly be given to a human being, and here, you have it.
It is the sum of all desires fulfilled.
It is everything that you have always wanted.
And it is everything that you will ever want.
This One Place within you, where there are no doubts, where there are no questions, where there is Clarity, where there is Understanding
where there is a Celebration of Life going on, and You are welcomed. You are welcome to come and participate.
Take part in that celebration of existence Because you are the only one who can go there
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