No Greater Love
Imagine. You are playing on the floor with your little one and family members are about. You are rolling the ball to each other and your babe grabs hold of it. He smiles at you and makes an adorable 'gah' sound as if to say 'Are you ready Mumma?' After rolling the ball back to you (by hitting it repeatedly until it moves slightly), your little one claps in excitement making more ridiculously adorable baby sounds and giggles. In this moment your heart is full and you see some of your family members vaguely watching, smiling in adoration. Conversation continues and the moment passes.
It's in moments like these, I find myself saying 'Look at how cute he is?!' or 'Oh my gosh look what Toby can do!?' It is totally normal to want others to see and realise and enjoy the loveliness of your little ones. Lately however, I have found myself feeling somewhat sad that Toby's Aunties and Uncles, Grandparents, extended family, even friends, don't see all the adorable moments, the milestones, the heart warming cuddles, tickles, giggles. I find myself wishing others could have even just a small amount of the love and adoration that I have for him. Lately I have even found myself on a family holiday suggesting to family members 'You could play with Toby a little. He would love that'. Although they didn't take my suggestion at the time, it allowed me to realise something.....
Most of us have a desire for our children to belong, to know who their extended family is, to have good, meaningful relationships with other people besides us. We have this longing because we are made to live in community. And that is OK, it's normal to want those things for our kids. We find pleasure in seeing them playing with their cousins, or wrestling with their Aunties and Uncles. We want our kids to know who Nana is and have beautiful memories reading books together or being spoilt by doting Grandparents.
In spite of all this, I have found one thing to be very true. Firstly I believe the greatest love of all is that of our heavenly father, a love we could never understand. Aside from that, there will never be a greater love than the love of a mother or a father. This realisation has been very freeing! During this holiday christmas period (Toby's first christmas) while spending time with some family, I have felt more relaxed knowing this. Knowing that although I want my children to have close relationships, I cannot force anything. I cannot force people to love more, care more or engage more. I can just enjoy the love I have for my babe and enjoy all the moments we have together (even if no one else sees them!).
Of course I am thankful that I do have a loving family and I know they care about Tobias loads. I so value and cherish the times we do have together, especially the memories for Toby. But I will find comfort knowing I do not need to force or control anything. I am letting go of that.
I will just put my energy into loving.
The love of a Mother... nothing can compare to that.
It's in moments like these, I find myself saying 'Look at how cute he is?!' or 'Oh my gosh look what Toby can do!?' It is totally normal to want others to see and realise and enjoy the loveliness of your little ones. Lately however, I have found myself feeling somewhat sad that Toby's Aunties and Uncles, Grandparents, extended family, even friends, don't see all the adorable moments, the milestones, the heart warming cuddles, tickles, giggles. I find myself wishing others could have even just a small amount of the love and adoration that I have for him. Lately I have even found myself on a family holiday suggesting to family members 'You could play with Toby a little. He would love that'. Although they didn't take my suggestion at the time, it allowed me to realise something.....
Most of us have a desire for our children to belong, to know who their extended family is, to have good, meaningful relationships with other people besides us. We have this longing because we are made to live in community. And that is OK, it's normal to want those things for our kids. We find pleasure in seeing them playing with their cousins, or wrestling with their Aunties and Uncles. We want our kids to know who Nana is and have beautiful memories reading books together or being spoilt by doting Grandparents.
In spite of all this, I have found one thing to be very true. Firstly I believe the greatest love of all is that of our heavenly father, a love we could never understand. Aside from that, there will never be a greater love than the love of a mother or a father. This realisation has been very freeing! During this holiday christmas period (Toby's first christmas) while spending time with some family, I have felt more relaxed knowing this. Knowing that although I want my children to have close relationships, I cannot force anything. I cannot force people to love more, care more or engage more. I can just enjoy the love I have for my babe and enjoy all the moments we have together (even if no one else sees them!).
Of course I am thankful that I do have a loving family and I know they care about Tobias loads. I so value and cherish the times we do have together, especially the memories for Toby. But I will find comfort knowing I do not need to force or control anything. I am letting go of that.
I will just put my energy into loving.
The love of a Mother... nothing can compare to that.
That is so the truth Gracie, and you will not always get it right either so just do your best & trust God for He is there to help you and guide you in your caring and in growing your family. A great article Gracie, love reading your stuff. Xxxxx
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