In their book, Captivating, John and Stasi Eldredge mention that women have a way of comforting that men do not. Their example: a child gets a cut, and the dad replies, "Cool wound!" On the other hand, a mother likely would pull the child close, kiss the owie, and make it all better.
A few days ago, I was at my parent's house, helping to take care of my sister's four children. From dawn til dusk we did all we could to keep the kids entertained. It was exhausting, but I was surprised to still enjoy it. There always seems to be that one moment in which I remember how much I love kids. 90% of the time, kids are a pain in the butt -- adorable pains, but pains nonetheless! However, the night before I was scheduled to leave, one of my nephews came up the stairs looking particularly distressed. I asked him what was wrong; he ignored me.
I sighed, and followed him up the stairs, asking again, and again he ignored me. His face fell to the couch, and there he lay, his freckled button nose smooshed up against the brown seat. I convinced him to sit up beside me, and he rested his head on me. I cuddled him, and asked once more, "What's wrong?" His round, little eyes were wet and red, and he sniffled as he poured his sweet soul out to me. I held him, made him laugh, and comforted him as best I could. And in that moment, I understood love. His tender heart was aching, and so was mine.
It is these moments, when I connect to a child, that I remember what it's all about. Suddenly the world feels a whole lot smaller, and my purpose seems clear: I am so that I may love. Even if I couldn't provide any real comfort to my nephew, he knew that I loved and cared for him. God will do the rest.
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