Sunday Scripture - Reflection for May 26, 2024

Sunday Scripture - Reflection for May 26, 2024

Sara with her family

​MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY ADULT CHILDREN - A REFLECTION OF MY RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR TRINITARIAN GOD
"... in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
 
I believe in a loving God. A God who is parent, sibling, and friend – Father, Son & Holy Spirit - rolled into one. In an imperfect way my relationship with my own adult children is a metaphor for my relationship with God.
 
GOD THE PARENT. In my children’s life experience, I am the one who gave birth to them. When I held each one of them for the first time, I loved them completely. Like God, the parent, I rejoiced in their birth. I have been there holding them, caring for them, loving them, disciplining them, guiding them, listening to them, waiting for them to come home, delighting in time spent together. When they were children, my primary role was as mother. There were times when they were angry with me because I disciplined them. At times they came to me because they were hurt and needed a kiss or to climb into my lap for a hug and a quiet moment with my arms around them. When they accomplished something, they would shout out the name they called me, “MOM”, to make sure I saw them. As adults they still call me and need me as Mother. They will always be my children, but they are now adults and they don’t need a mother as much as a sister-in-Christ.

GOD THE SIBLING. I believe that God has no grandchildren. Through our Baptism, we are sons and daughters of God. Therefore, when God grants us the privilege of having a child, we have the responsibility and honor of raising a "sibling" to be part of the Kingdom of God as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Consequently, when each of my children turned 18, I began to think of them and walk with them as a “sister-in-Christ.” I now conclude letters I write to them with “love, Mom, your sister-in-Christ”. Seeing those words written on paper helps me to also work on living it out in life. I am an older sister who has life experiences they can tap into. Often as adults, they need me as someone who will listen to them, care for them, talk through ideas, directions, and possibilities. They can turn to me as someone who has walked the walk, knows the feeling, and can relate to them. But then there are those times when my children call, they just need a trusted friend.

GOD THE TRUSTED FRIEND. My good friends are those people I’ve laughed or cried with, and walked with through various adventures. They’re the people who know my good side but also challenge me, to be the best I can be. They are the ones I can sit with in silence admiring an amazing sunrise or contemplating the flames in a campfire. Even when I have not spoken to them for a while, I know they are there for me if needed just to listen or come over for a game night or assist in a project or situation. I am blessed with a husband whom I consider my best friend. Together we had the privilege of raising 4 children into adults with whom we now enjoy spending time. I love it when they call just to talk or ask to spend time with me, not as mom, but as a trusted friend. I love that we can accompany each other and challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves as we walk together and make memories that solidify our friendship.
Our Trinitarian God responds as we pray! My children calling on me as Mother or Older Sister or Trusted Friend, depending on the circumstance and their need, is an imperfect metaphor and reminder of how I can call upon God in my need. Reaching out, in prayer, to God the Father or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit. One God, present to us all, in three almighty ways. 
​
Sara Fontana
Wildflowers Community
​League City, TX

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