May 18th

What are some small things that speak of stability and tradition to you? You know, small family traditions like the old star on the Christmas tree. I remember my Uncle Howard tossing a firecracker into the air up near our bedroom window, the room where my sister, my cousin, and I were sleeping, to let us know that Aunt Marjory had our breakfast ready. It was a daily ritual of fun when we were vacationing there.
My younger son remembers that I was usually at home when he arrived from school. That was a form of security for him. My daughter recalls her grandfather’s cache of candy bars which he shared with her and her older brother. Number one son’s security tradition was finding a full cookie jar!
Now, for me, just the knowledge that I am in Christ and He is in me is all the security that I need.

“HI, MOM!”
“Hi, Mom!” he’d cry as he entered the door
When his daddy brought him home
From a day when the man’s world they’d explore,
A day when together they’d roam;
Then I’d get a great big hug and a kiss
And he’d tell of the day’s bright joys …
Five years old, reflecting bliss
With a cookie in hand and his toys.

“Hi, Mom!” he’d cry as he entered the door
When he came home from school.
He’d reach for a cookie, drop books on the floor,
And leave again, as a rule,
Taking his bat, his ball, and his glove
To play with the neighbor boys …
Twelve years old, too old to ‘love’
And growing away from his toys.

“Hi, Mom!” he cries as he enters the door
With his growing family.
His eyes meet mine and I need no more
To tell me he still loves me,
But there’s one more thing that lets me know
My mothering’s up to par …
At twenty-five his eyes still glow
When they spy the full cookie jar!

Prayer: Dear Father, there are all sorts of traditions and security blankets which we use to giveus assurance. Help me to seek You only, for all I need is You to be secure.