GENTLE PARENTING
A full year has passed since a global pandemic disrupted and transformed our lives. Many continue to yearn for what they consider normal. Others have embraced some version of a new normal. We live in different times. I have spent most of this time at home with my wife and children. From here I teach, research, and write. Here I continue to grow as a husband, parent, and friend. Not everyone has this privilege, and I stand in solidarity with the many who cannot. Yet, for those who can, we have an obligation to reflect about this experience in light of our faith.
When working from home, it is not always clear when one is working and when one is being present as a parent or as a spouse. Most of the time both happen at once, even when those with whom we live may not always recognize this. We work for our families; our families inspire our work.
Perhaps this is part of the message God shares with us today through Isaiah: “Can a mother forget her infant?” The world is God’s home and workplace. Even when humanity may sometimes feel forsaken, God works gently on our behalf, restoring, liberating, feeding, guiding, and comforting us with mercy; we inspire God to work this way because God loves us.
Today Jesus also reveals God as a parent who is hard at work in history: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” God—who is Father and Mother—is working in this world for us. In contemplating this divine gentleness, may we find meaningful ways to be present to the people we love most.
How are you gentle and tender with me, Lord? How might I be gentle to people with whom I live?
adapted from Hosffman Ospino, Give Us This Day