As our meal at an Asian bistro unfolded, I found myself enjoying the time with friends. A sign of a nearby nursery caught my eye. The fun play on words that reflected every parent’s view of her/his child bring a smile, the two tag lines invited me into a deeper reflection. With appreciation to friends from Finland and the lessons shared over the years, the whispers of that day are shaping my approach to the day ahead.
It is impossible to overstate the love a parent has for their child. I know it is something that transcends emotions and logic, even though it is firmly anchored in both. Without hesitation, I would give up my life and more for their future. This is, to me, the ultimate example of an old writer’s observation; “We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice.” (Romans 5.7). Love is grounded in an unbreakable bond which translates into hope, inspiration, and willing sacrifice.
Love evolves. As strong as love is when a parent meets their child for the first time, with growth it deepens and matures. Love is never static. It is hard to imagine the intensity of Divinity’s perfect love. The unconditional, relentless, and enduring nature of this love is just the beginning. The depth of engagement is an example every parent aspires to. The immutable nature of this love is a dream I still find myself reaching for. The ways love reveals itself continue to change, always contextually relevant.
The Finnish way is one I can only talk to through experience. Words that describe my experience include resilient, consistent, non-emotional, engaging, personal, and pragmatic. Each works in harmony with the other through an incredible range of memories. The intensity of saunas. Watching indoor hockey played by young boys without trash talk or words of anger. Walks through the countryside without any concerns about working around the traditional fences marking property boundaries.
It is good to be reminded of life’s ultimate values.
