Accepting Individuality

The next day they found him in the Temple seated among the teachers,

listening to them and asking questions.

The teachers were all quite taken with him,

impressed with the sharpness of his answers.

But his parents were not impressed;

they were upset and hurt. . .

He said, ". . . Didn't you know that I had to be here,

dealing with the things of my Father?"

But they had no idea what he was talking about.

So he went back to Nazareth with them, and lived obediently with them.
His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself.

And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit,

blessed by both God and people.

Luke 2:46-52 The Message

This was not the first time Mary had marveled at her son.

But when she said to the angel,

". . . I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve.

Let it be with me

just as you say." (Luke 1:38)

I doubt that she really knew all that would be involved

in having and raising this special baby.

I wonder if in the business of everyday life,

she forgot just who she was raising.

Accepting a child just as he/she is

can be tough,

especially when our own hurt gets in the way.

But accepting and embracing individuality can be one of the best gifts

we as mothers give.

Two favorite photos of one of my granddaughters,

(my daughter's daughter):

Happy Mother's Day.