Reviewing catechism questions with my kids the other day, I was deeply struck and convicted. The question I asked was “Do you have a soul as well as a body?” And their response was, “Yes, and my soul is going to last forever.”
This catechism reminded me anew of why I do this thing called motherhood. Raising children is an investment in eternity. All the energy and tears we put into this calling has an impact that will last forever. Forever. Have you ever thought about how long that is? Most of our tasks and responsibilities in life don’t have a lasting impact. But the investment in a human soul does.
In our society, children are rarely viewed as having such lasting importance. Many in our current age don’t even belief in an after life. Instead, they believe this life is all there is. Because of this belief, their time, money, energy is spent on accumulating and using their resources on what is only temporary.
How would our world be different if we all believed that children were given souls that last forever?
I often fail to remember this truth myself. Distracted by all the pretty things the world has to offer, I focus on the here and now. I spend my days on household chores, running errands, browsing pinterest. “Not right now, Buddy, I’m busy.” “Let me just finish folding these clothes.” All the while, two little souls exist in my care needing my intentional influence.
I need to value my children the way Jesus did. “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) Our Lord’s heart is tender toward children. He paused to intentionally bless them in the midst of a busy day of ministry.
And He intentionally nurtures and blesses my soul. His grace is always abundant and overflowing. He is always ready to hear from me. When I remember how much I am loved by the Father, it helps me to remember to love on my children. Focusing on His love and grace for me turns me away from the distractions of this world and to what is eternally important. The more I turn from what’s temporary, the more I will invest in the forever souls of my children.
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:33,34
