What God did not say to His Son

By Mary Beth Beacom

Ask any parents: they would much rather suffer than watch their own child …or any child….suffer.
But it is a lie to say, ” I only want you to be happy”. Because what the world perceives as happiness often ends in pain and weakness.
A parent never says, ” eat only ice cream, because it makes you happy!”,
Or, ” drive that car at warp speed through that neighborhood full of kids, because I know how driving fast makes you happy.”
Parents know, after years of making their own mistakes, that ” happiness” is fleeting, but love, joy, and truth last forever. To eternity.
God never said to his Son, “I just want you to be happy.”
If you think I’m kidding, only stand at the foot of the cross.
He did say, I will not leave you.
He did say, rest in Me.
He did say, I have carved you in the palm of My hand.
[Thanks to Mary Beth Beacom for permission to share her beautiful reflection on parenting and love.]