Kisses last a lifetime

A few weeks ago, my 4-year-old little boy was watching me care for our newborn son. I just can't stop kissing that sweet little face, and Simeon observed this. He asked, "Mama, do your kisses stay there forever?" What a sweet little thought! I answered him yes. Yes, I believe that they do stay there forever. Every Mother's kiss remains imprinted on the mind and heart of her child forever. Every loving touch, every smile, every kind word or gesture is there burned onto the heart of a child to last his whole life through. Think of all the memories you have of your own mother, and what an impression they have left on your heart. We mothers have the opportunity to touch our children's hearts for eternity. The seemingly fleeting kiss pours warmth into the soul of a child that tells him, "You are loved." This does not fade away. Simeon's innocent question seems very profound to me. It reminded me of the importance of those little kisses and touches not only for the little face of my newborn boy, but for all of my children. I am their first glimpse of the love of their Father in heaven. My kisses and unconditional love for them are but a dim reflection to them of the love that the God who created them has for them. I model to them the reality of an eternal, perfect, unconditional love that I can only feebly imitate. And yet it is so important--not insignificant in the least. It is through my love that my children will see that they are loved enough for the Father to give His only Son for their salvation! I don't think I will ever forget the beautiful picture Simeon's question painted in my mind. I see all of my children covered by all the kisses I have planted on them over the years, enveloped in my love for them, and even more so surrounded and penetrated by the love of God.

"And you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you..."
Isaiah 66:12-13

A Mother's Love by Helen Steiner Rice

A Mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away...
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails nor falters even though the heart is breaking...
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems...
It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret, like the mysteries of creation...
A many splendored miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.