Receiving the Tenderness of Love

Wednesday Wisdom: Tenderness of Love. 

Like most of us, it seems as though I am constantly facing one kind of transition or another. This is our human situation, facing change and transition constantly, in work, in relationships, in our families, and in our bodies. How do we invite and allow ourselves to respond with love when we are in a transition, both to ourselves and to those around us? How do we live in and from the tender love of God?

We must become more supple and trusting as we move through transitions, and through the daily shifts in our lives. And I am finding that cultivating a strong foundation of love within is extremely necessary. This happens through prayer and meditation, through letting God’s love continually pour into us, and through living a life that is committed to giving and receiving love.

Over the weekend, I attended a retreat given by Veronica Mary Rolf, on the revelations and teachings of the 14th century mystic, Julian of Norwich. During the retreat, we were introduced to Julian’s idea of the Motherhood of God, which is a rich and deep concept I invite you to learn more about. For me, I was drawn to the idea of being embraced, nurtured, and loved by God, as a mother loves her children.

How sweetly I witnessed this yesterday, at the elementary school where I am a part-time librarian, as the families of the kindergarten children gathered to celebrate the growth and accomplishment of the students in a promotion ceremony. The beaming smiles of the teachers, mothers, fathers, grandparents and relatives were radiant, glowing, and filled with love. This gathering was truly an expression of the ‘motherhood of love,’ which is expressed through the mothering qualities in all of us.

As I face another transition, having to leave this elementary school because of schedule conflicts, I am experiencing uncertainty once again. I am finding myself awake in the middle of the night, and not sleeping well, anxious and needing to be receptive to God’s mothering presence. Julian teaches us that all shall be well; and that in falling and rising again we are always kept in that same precious love. 

Can we hear Julian’s words and trust them? 

  • All Shall Be Well
  • That in falling and rising again we are always kept in that same precious love (in God’s love)

How are you allowing God to be a mother to you, a comforting presence that reassures you, encourages you, embraces you, and at times even pushes you beyond what you feel capable of doing? For today, I open myself to receiving the tender love of God, and I invite you to do the same.

Pause and Reflect

  • What does God’s tender love feel like, look like, sound like for you? Invite yourself to receive God’s mothering today.