Love not based on performance

I love being a mom. There are days/moments when I don't like it much - but overall, I love my job. Being a mom is my job of choice. Actually, my first job is being a wife to my hubby. Then, I'm a mom. In that order. But, the kids can really overflow into every part of my life. They are such a part of me, it is difficult to describe to someone who hasn't experienced this mom thing.

I was an Aunt long before I was ever a mom. I love my nieces and nephews like crazy. I had a point in my life when I was like their "second mom" during the summers when I went to stay with them and was a mother's helper. But, for as much as I love them and adore them - I know that ultimately they are not my responsibility. My own kids? From the first breath they take, there is this overwhelming sense of ownership and responsibility. No escape. They are on my mind at all times. And, this deep, deep love I have for them. I loved them before they were born - and even when they were unable to DO anything but poop and drool.

And, I am so proud of them! I have some great kids. They do amazing things, and have been given so many talents. But, you know what? What they DO isn't what makes me love them. I love them because they are a part of me. A part of my life. If something horrific happened to one of them, and they were never able to walk, or get out of bed, or even speak again, I would still love them just as much as I do right now. My love for them isn't dependent upon them making me love them. I just love them because they are who they are - with all their faults and shortcomings, and even the things they do that make me nuts.

I got to thinking about that last night. Then, a little voice in my head goes off about "isn't that how God loves you, Amy?". How cool is that? There isn't anything I can do/say to make God love me more than he does right now. I'm sure that there are things that I do that He enjoys more than others (like loving and caring for others). But, even when I am at my worst, God still loves me. NOT because of who I am, or because of what I have done. But, because of who He is.

Just like I love my own children, not because of the things that they can do. I know God loves me. He loves each one of us - and it has nothing to do with our performance. He loved us before we even knew we COULD perform anything! (Romans 5:8) Some days being a parent allows me to see straight into the heart of God.