Parental Love Is The Example
AS LONG AS parents live, they will always be the first responder to their child’s needs. The LORD’s rivers of Grace and Mercy either flow through or are dammed by the parent. It is in the parent-child relationship where one is introduced to unconditional love. In this relationship love is of necessity, whereas in other relationships like marriage, friendship, or kinfolk the unconditional love is conditional until it matures. Marriage, friendship, and kinfolk forgive each other for selfish gain. For example, siblings forgive each other on Christmas Eve to enjoy Christmas Day without limitation. On the other hand, the parent must eventually forgive their child, regardless of changed behavior. Did not Hitler’s mother mourn his death?
The child is dependent on the parent and rearing that child becomes purposeful to the parent. It is unnatural for a parent to neglect a child. In the animal kingdom we witness the wrath and strength of bears when their cubs are threatened. Don’t humans attain a new level of motivation when their children are born? Through God’s design a parent finds purpose in loving their children. Kingdoms and nations and power and wealth and influence are passed on to children. Children immortalize their parents. Only unconditional love guarantees the security of the next generation.
I have no children. The puzzle of my understanding will complete itself when children are born to me. But, I speak out of my own obligations. I must love my parents, just as they must love me. I am sure my love is a fraction of their love for me. I owe them. I love them because they first loved me. They conceived, nourished, and nurtured me for decades with no visible return nor did they expect any. Therefore, I will ensure that their last years are their best years. I, like a southern doorkeep, must return the favor out of love and duty. Irrespective of what happens from now till then, my responsibility must be fulfilled. The unconditional love recycles from generation to generation. This is the LORD’s plan. As the elders teach, it starts in the home.
“Intimate attachments to other human beings are the hub around which a person’s life revolves, not only when he is an infant or a toddler or a schoolchild but throughout his adolescence and his years of maturity as well, and on into old age. From these intimate attachments a person draws his strength and enjoyment of life and, through what he contributes, he gives strength and enjoyment to others. These are matters about which current science and traditional wisdom are at one.”
