by Lewis White

Psalm 71:1-12
Isaiah 49:1-6
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
John 12:37-38

"I have known you, and cared for you, and loved you since you were in your mother's womb" (paraphrase from two of today's scripture readings).

I think we have all felt at times there is something to be "done" to secure God's love for us — some right thought, right feeling, or right behavior or action. Having children has helped me to more fully understand this relationship and what is required.

My youngest son David's "terrible twos" were extending into his eighth year when I, one day, announced to his mother that "By God, this child is going to learn to behave!" So for the next two weeks I applied the requisite "consistent structure" necessary to secure this goal. One night, after a particularly heated reprimand, I went into his room to find him sobbing.

"Dad, I'm just a bad kid," he said. A wave of nausea and shame spread over me.

"David, my darling, darling child," I said. "We've had a huge misunderstanding, and the fault is mine. I'm going to tell you a parental mystic that a lot of grown-ups don't want to divulge to their children for fear they'll lose control. My wanting you to behave well is purely for our and your future convenience. No matter what you do, or how you behave, I will always, always, always love you. No ifs, ands, buts, or qualifications. No rules. Just because you're mine."

"I have known you, and cared for you, and loved you since you were in your mother's womb."

Amen.