World is full of treasured moments

The tenderness of Jesus toward his mother touches my heart. As the mother of three sons, I feel the bond and depth of love in a mother and son relationship. There is something about a family. It's a unique way of expressing love, especially through language. While Jesus was on that cruel cross, he looked at his mother. That tender love for his mother brings tears to my eyes. Amidst the terrible agony and pain upon the cross, he wanted his mother taken care of. It's the tender love of a relationship with family.

Those who are in Christ Jesus know this tender, compassionate love. He has a love that defies all understanding. It's a love that sacrifices everything in order to save human suffering. God's love reaches out to everyone. It is the only cure for this world's ills.

I am blessed to have three wonderful sons. I shall never forget as they grew up the things they said. The oldest son said, "I would like to take us all to heaven." When the middle one left for a job many miles away he said, "Don't cry Mom, Christians never say goodbye." Our youngest said, "You will always be in a special place in my heart!"

That wonderful moment with our sons is forever frozen in our hearts to be embraced and kept close all of our days. Precious memories flood my soul, especially in the still of the night … memories that I cherish deep within me. I think Jesus is like that. His love never stops.

Life gives us special moments, glimpses of heaven. One may be just a fleeting moment. It may be a single statement from one of your children, but please hold and love them. Time goes so fast.

"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.

He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, put his hand on them and blessed them" (Mark 10: 13-16) NIV).

The world is full of such treasured moments. Take time to find and embrace your children. Hug and kiss your children. I don't know why I cry when they get ready to go back to their home. My tears fall on their shoes and I ask God to put an angel on top of their car.

Tell someone you have long admired of your appreciation. Tell your wife how much you love her. Hug and kiss your children.

God has given the gift of time today. How we live our lives is the gift given back to God. Love isn't love until you share it. Love isn't love until you give it away.

Little things mean so much.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]