She reached for my hand

 

 

Several weeks ago in church, my middle daughter (the one who just graduated from college and will be married in September) reached over and held my hand.  It was a very pleasant surprise.  At first, I thought she was wanting me to get her something (like a pen or a mint from my purse) – but no, she just wanted to sit in church and hold hands with her Mom.

I remember when she was about 5 years old and I was a busy Mom of 3 little girls, a 1 year old, 5 year old and 8 1/2 year old.  We were walking across the parking lot to the entrance of the grocery store and I had my hands full with my toddler, grocery list and coupons as well as keeping track of everyone.  I remember that she wanted to hold my hand and I quickly told her that she was old enough to walk on her own.  I also remember how hurt she looked when I said this to her, because I think that she truly just wanted to hold her Mommy’s hand.  Of course, I tried to tell myself that I was justified in my response – but the truth is, I still remember this missed moment of holding her hand.

When she reached for my hand in church, I held on tight thanking God that my almost married daughter still loves me enough to hold my hand.  Even with all the mistakes I made as a Mother – she is full of grace and love towards me. 

May this little memory give all Mothers hope to realize that when (not if) you make mistakes in your mothering, your children are full of grace and love for you.  Somehow, they are able to overlook our mistakes, anger and quick answers and still love us. 

And if your child reaches for your hand today – no matter what age they are — hold on to it tightly, even if your hands are already full.  Because very soon they will be gone and you will be walking into the grocery story alone.

“Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”  Colossians 4:5-6 The Message