Today it is Palm Sunday.  I love Palm Sunday.  We are gearing up for a very big week at our house.  After the readings today, my Jesus Christ's sacrifice for me, for us, takes on a deeper meaning than ever.  It makes me think so much of motherhood. 

He sacrificed Himself to give us eternal life. He instructs, tells stories, feeds and clothes us. He gives us hope and direction. We hurt Him.  Deeply, sometimes.  He forgives us and we grow.  We share in His immense sacrifice.  We are flawed and brought eventually to perfection.  When we turn from Him, He waits.  Gently calling us back, and rejoicing at our return.  If we do not return, His love does not end.

Much like mamas and daddies.

We cling to Him in the storms, darkness, fear, sorrow and suffering.  Mamas, let your babies cling to you in their small storms; their fears and sadness and disappointments.  Let them feel your arms around them to comfort and nurture them, like He has done for us.  Let them feel all the depth of  human love and compassion and forgiveness so that can know just a sliver of what their Father in heaven can offer them for their life on earth, and the fullness of the joy that they will receive in eternal life.
  
Most of us struggle all our lives with loving God with abandonment, and learning that we can cling to Him through all our life.  We teach this abandonment, forgiveness and clinging to the One we love through example more than anything else.  

They experience the love of God first through human love.  It is as the Father intended.  Gently, with forgiveness.  Mercy over Justice.