Nope. Not going to budge. Usually a huge hug "Mama, thank you so much! You're the best! Love you!" Five minutes in, tops. Wait for it... "Is It okay if we go hangout?" This usually involves with each other, friends, or boyfriend. Sigh, I guess I did the same thing to my Mother.
Yet the very second I have a weekend free with my handsome husband what do they do? They blow up both our phones. My first thought is always "Oh my gosh! What happened? Are you Ok? What hospital are you in?" My mind goes crazy with fear. I jump at the chance to talk with them. Thrilled that they called. Thankful they aren't dead. A little hurt and annoyed they called to ask for something.
Honestly, though, sometimes as parents we feel like we are a means to an end. No doubt they love us. But every now and then we feel like we are being used for their wants and needs. Just me?
Isn't that what we do with Jesus ? Our prayer lives? We feel the Holy Spirit tugging on our heart strings. We know we need to be in sync with the Lord. We can feel Him calling to us. Just to read His word. Talk with Him. " I swear I will Lord! As soon as the time changes and I get that extra hour of sleep. I will do my quiet time. Really, Lord, I promise!"
You don't spend time in prayer with Him. In fact, you don't even open your bible. You still love Him. You thank Him. You praise Him. But you don't actually sit down and let Him speak to you through the Bible.
Until... something fabulous happens. Or something horrific. Then we cry out "Oh, Abba Father!" Unlike me, who gets frustrated when my children only want to talk when it's convenient for them, Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.
But how magnificent would it have been if you were walking and talking with the Lord everyday? Totally in-sync. The devastating news could have , possibly, been avoided. Or you would have had the assurance of Jesus' promises, so as not to feel alone, every step of the way.
It takes awhile to walk with the Lord. Just like any relationship. But once you learn to rely on him for every single decision in life---yep, even a parking space at Walmart--you don't need anyone else. You need family and friends for community! But I mean you don't need a shoulder to cry on. He's always available and the best listener in the world.
He isn't magic. He's not a wizard. You can't just turn him on and off at will. Just like we as parents aren't cash withdrawal machines. Each of us long to be loved by our children. To have a relationship with our children. Each of us has or would die for our children. We love them that much.
Start today by talking with God. Not asking for things. Just talk with Him. Read a few verses of your bible. Ask Him to reveal the meaning to you. Next. Call your Mother. Don't text her. Actually call her and allow her to catch you up on her life. Then tell her what's going on in your life. Relationships. They are a beautiful two way street.
" The mouth speaks what is abundant in the mind"-Matthew 12:34
