In my growing up years I always knew without a doubt that my parents loved me. As I grew older, my parents considered displays of affection inappropriate for my age. The warmth of their love seemed to wane. Notice I said the warmth of his love, the love itself remained constant.
I became a single mom and was uniquely blessed to raise four wonderful people who have enriched (and still do) my life every step of the way. When they were younger, I would play with them, pray for them, and do my best to teach them everything I knew about living life in a practical and spiritual sense. Not everyone has chosen to take the path in life that I wanted for them, but I love you all as much as I always have!
Some of my grandchildren now approach adulthood without really knowing the blessing of having a faithful father figure in their lives. Their views, ideologies and values (moral and spiritual) differ greatly from mine. I feel sorry for them at times, but on a recent visit I felt a warmth of love for them (mother and children). As ridiculous as it sounds, I would have gladly taken them all, wrapped them in my arms so that they would experience the glow of love that I so wanted to share with them.
Later I visited my son and his wife and family. He has established his home on the values and principles that guide my life and I am grateful. His children are being raised to know, honor, love and obey God. They often pray for their little family. Again I experienced that same warmth of love for all of them. I also wanted them to feel that soft, warm glow of love that I felt for them.
It’s the same feeling I have for my two adult children who are still at home. They are independent, they have their own lives but they play a very important role in ours. I often feel that rush of love for them too. They are all such special people. I am singularly hurt.
Really everyone should experience this warmth and glow of family love in their lives. Long after I’m gone, I want my children to know and appreciate my love for them. I won’t last forever, but they need to be reminded of my love for them. So at least for my extended family, I have chosen to give them a gift that will hopefully remind them how strong the love is between all family members. It will last forever.
It is a beautiful amber glass candlestick which tells a story of warmth, light and love so that regardless of the distance or the years that separate us, the memory of love will remain. It’s something small, but I hope they understand it and feel loved.
Perhaps you can also find ways to generate that warmth and love in your family.