A young boy wiggled and twisted his way free. As his mother willingly let him escape, albeit after making him work for it, the thirst for freedom was over almost before it began. Three buoyant steps in triggered a massive crash and burn! Joy turned to tears. Bubbling giggles became cries of desperation for comfort and attention.
The young mother responded with calm, care, and gentle attention. The transformation was amazing. Tears to calm, fear to a sparkle in his eyes, and looking to mom to looking for adventure. In what seemed ages to the child and moments to those watching, the cycle began again.
I watched three repeats, admiring his determination. The mother reminded me of a promise made in a Psalm a long time ago; “I’ll never throw them out, never abandon or disown them.” (Psalm 89.33) Am I still a child with God, testing my freedom, looking to break out, and failing spectacularly on the stage?
It is natural to want independence. The question for an adult lies in what we take with us as we strive to live fully and completely. Are we doing it on our own or are we taking the lessons our divine Mother has given us?
We will crash and burn. No matter how good, strong, and amazing we might be, we will make mistakes and at some moment, often when we are the most confident (arrogant?), we will fail. Who is our mother then? Are we on our own or do we have someone to turn to?
As we regroup, learn, and yearn to reengage in living, do we look with hope or fear, confidence or uncertainty? Our divine Mother offers us a safe place to return, encouraging us to respond to our calling. There is something magical and empowering in the belief bestowed in and on us. A gift that provides strength, healing, and the ability to be more than we otherwise could be.
I left with the young boy laughing, and running free. His knees were scraped; he wore a smile from ear to ear.
