A Mother’s Love
By Leslie Lopez of Queens, New York.
As a mother, I try to live each day with few regrets. I don’t ever want to regret not teaching my sons, not showing my sons how wonderful this gift of life is. I don’t ever want to live a single day differently than what God’s will is for them and for me. Even thought I’m not always certain of His will, I know it’s purposeful, as He has fit us with so many experiences. Before my feet touch the floor in the morning, I pray God gives me the ability to be the best mother I can be. I know this is my work; this is what He has chosen for me. Why else would God allow me to have this tremendous amount of time to be with my sons , nurturing and loving them?
I feel sympathy for so many mothers ( parents as a whole) , who feel they must leave their child(ren) in order to work. They believe they will go hungry or be without comfort if they do not sacrifice time with their children. Not many know this, but quite frankly, I wanted to be a Human Resources Specialist, traveling all over the world, requiring a lot of time away. Imagine the shock to my whole being when I realized God’s plan did not even come close to mine. I fought with the idea so much. I knew I would be perfect in that position; however, I soon began enjoying the benefits of being a ‘Mother’ to my sons.
I am reaping irreplaceable benefits in this position! A mother’s love, none can compare. Yes, we desire romantic love, love from family and friends, and most significantly, the love from God; yet one of the greatest gifts received here on earth is the love from mother.
In all my trials since the birth of my first child, Chelsea, and her death; then the birth of my twin boys and their journey with cardiomyopathy through transplants, I must confess to the world, I have been selfish. I have selfishly been able to spend more time with my children than most mothers. We don’t have much, but that’s okay. I trust God will not let my sons hunger tomorrow. I am thankful that we are alive and nourished each day. My point is , as a mother, my greatest treasures are held in my heart. At times, I think someone may think it’s crazy the way He provides . It is at times hard for me to believe how ‘on - time ‘ He is. I have chosen to step out on faith. And yes, I have had to make sacrifices; but image, success, and possessions are not my desired rewards. I have opted to view my life as highly favored, as I have been entrusted with a job that I am sure God could have chosen someone wiser, someone stronger , someone with better resources or someone who desired to be a mother all their lives. However, He chose me, and I am thankful. He has given me all the tools I need. The rewards of motherhood are far greater than many of us take time to recognize. He provides for our every need and refuses to cause my heart t o be burdened by things I have no control over. He always shares with me right on time , what I need to accomplish the task at hand.
As parents, we ought to value time with our babies, whatever the age. We can all rest assured that God’s perfect love drives out every fear. (1 John 4:18) Trust me, I know fear. The question of “How will they see me now that I can’t afford to provide for their every wants?” I learned very quickly that the important questions are, “ How will I do all that God has put on my heart to do, knowing that time may be limited with my child?, “ How can I step out on faith, let go of things, and convince God that I trust Him with my life? “ How can I convince a soul that I am a mother in my heart, when I refuse to exercise it myself in faith and in deeds? If I do not believe it, who will?
I know at times we get caught up trying to make a life, and we forget to live. For some, living means travel, pleasures or material possessions. Myself , living is in precious moments never to be erased, hearing my sons’ laughter , even seeing their tears. Imagine the joy I feel, even this day, knowing that two years ago I was told …” they will die” … Value time, it makes life worth living and a mother’s love worth giving.
