“…And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” Colossians 3:14 (The Message)
On Friday I attended a Mother’s Day tea at my littlest school. The whole class has been busy preparing for this day for weeks! I know this because of the excitement in his voice every time he would ask if I could come. I know this because of the way we were treated when we walked into his room. Pampering of this sort doesn’t happen a half hour before the celebration. There were songs, presents, essays, activities, snacks, and of course tea! I could barely hold back the tears because of what I saw.
It wasn’t the way the school pampered us mothers. That was incredibly special, yes, but it was the way the kids pampered us, their moms! The way the moms smiled at each other, had time to sit and get to know each other while holding, hugging, and cuddling with our little ones. It was how each and every essay that answered the question, “I love my mom because…” was so different and so full of love.
I looked around the room and each one of us moms looked different. Some were older (like myself), some were younger, and some grandmothers came in “mommy’s place.” We all dressed differently, talked differently, and came from various backgrounds. Some came directly from work, some couldn’t come at all…but no matter how we came, each mom that walked through the door was greeted with a smile just for her.
I know his teacher and watching her interact with all of her students brought tears to my eyes as well. We, as mothers, have entrusted our “little ones” into her care for almost a whole year now. She has taken our babies and helped grow them into a loving, caring community within the walls of her classroom. They have learned respect, responsibility, and how to treat their friends as they would want to be treated. I watched how she instinctively responded to each child’s needs – a sideways hug for one, adopting another until his mom could show up, and a gentle squeeze for another to say, “I care.” The love she has for our kids is palpable, creating a circle of love that encompasses each child equally.
I wonder if that’s how God sees us. Are we eagerly waiting for Him to show up every day? When He does, do we run into His arms, excited to see Him and tell Him how much we love Him because…? Are we proud to show Him our accomplishments and present Him with gifts that we took a lot of time on, working slowly so we get them just right?
I will remember this Mother’s Day tea for years to come. This will be one of those memories that will come out often to be savored. Not only because it’s my last turn in kindergarten as a mom, but because I want to always have the same enthusiasm for my Father as the kindergarten class had for their moms.
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and mother-in-marriage. I am blessed to be surrounded by so much love. I pray my kids always know how much they are loved by me.
© Cheri Swalwell 2015