God’s Love

Today I went to Mass at St. Albert’s and sat near the front. Just after I had received Jesus in the Eucharist, I went to the pew to kneel and saw my good friend Sharon and her daughter Jane. I was happy because I love them very much and hoped to get to talk with them a little after Mass. They are part of the family whose computer I often work on, and I’ve been friends with them for over four years.

Amazingly, Jane, who is three years old, has always shone great affection for me. Even when she was a little baby and just learning to walk, she would walk over to me and let me hold her. Her mother Sharon remarked on it one time that it was special because Jane didn’t go up to very many people like that. I felt very blessed and honored, as I had had such an aversion to children from my years in atheism and had forgotten how to relate with them.

So after my post-Communion prayer when Mass ended, I got up, genuflected, and turned around, not looking at Sharon and Jane immediately, even though I knew they were there. I walked a few steps toward the back of the church and then looked over to see Sharon praying and motioning Jane toward me, and then I saw little Jane’s bright and smiling face as she came running to me with her arms wide open. I knelt down and spread my arms out and gave her a big hug and picked her up, then walked to the back of the church and talked with her some.

Another family walked out of Mass and beamed at Jane, then looked at me and asked if she was my daughter. I told them no, that she was the daughter of friends of mine at Mass, and this made me think of what it would be like to be a father to such an adorable little girl. How amazing it would be! I also realized that God shows his love for me in how Jane loves me. She is so innocent and good, and she runs to me with her arms open, wanting me to pick her up and give her affection. I know in my heart that this is how the child Jesus comes to me, full of love, and desiring my love.

Also, this is how God wants me to come to him, like a little child, full of trust and love. May God bless all husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, and all his little children, including the big grown up ones.

Jeff and Sharon

Jane