Daily Devotions - Thursday, February 7

Give Them Your Heart

Being attentive to children and their grief is my passion. Judy Tatelbaum’s book, The Courage to Grieve has a chapter on children’s grief and she begins with this quote:

“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and
daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you,
but not from you. And though they are with you
yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
for they have their own thoughts.”
--The Prophet

I am certain many conversations could come from this quote. What grabs my attention is the phrase, “you may give them (children) your love but not your thoughts.” I believe this phrase is worthy of our contemplation. Valentine’s Day is drawing near! What do our children (regardless of their age) really want from us? Unconditional love is the answer, I believe. As I reflect upon my own children (now grown and on their own), I see that my love was what they did (and still do) desire. I may want to share my thoughts with them, but I need to hold them until they ask for them. In the meantime, “I am going to give them my love.” Enjoy loving and being loved!

Ben Keckler
02.07.08