What if I just focus on being the parent more, instead of doing all the parenting things? Can I just stand in the mothering position and acknowledge this is my place instead of trying to earn it more … day by day.
We have been created human BEINGS. In a world where DOING is the only action that seemingly gets you anywhere, the understanding of who human beings are, gets muddled up.
Living in the western mindset is complex. Everything we do gets over analyzed and complexified. There is always a better or faster way to make coffee, sell a product or even wash your face. Yes, there is advantages, your bread is now baked by a machine and not really by your own hands. Mostly, though, it seems like our joy is being stolen. Our freedom taken away. There is always, but always, something to do, or do better. Simplicity gives freedom, too much knowledge takes it away.
Recently I was given the privilege, at a game reserve, to look at a few lionesses as they are going about their day: They are determined animals who hunt from early. This is their main purpose, to find food and caring for their young. Their young are taught by being around the mother and doing everything she does, because soon they will be weaned and start hunting for themselves. They have precious relationships in the pride and the lionesses move together with their family.
What struck me was that this mother is only being a lion. And that is how she parents. She is what she was made to be and by this example the cubs are being parented. There is no list on her agenda of bird watching, whole digging, grass prepping and whatever else … just them learning from her and copying her. The cubs will be who they are meant to be, by the example of her being who she is.
Truth is, we have to fight for our freedom to live the lives God gave us. Everything around us fights to cage us in. God the father wanted us to eat from the tree of LIFE not the tree of KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL. He sent Jesus to give life back. But we still choose. Jesus and life, or only knowledge and captivity.
I want to trust him to show me how to be more, instead of losing day after day to the rush of planning the next moment. My mind wonders back to these words:
“But seek first the Kingdom of His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well. So therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt 6: 33-34, NIV)
Written by Johanni Meiring (12 May 2015)
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Johanni Meiring 