Penitence and compassion, not guilt

I spoke to my best friend last night, we caught each other up a little with our lives. We barely have time to keep up with the latest updates - both of us have full-time jobs, she has kids, and I am working on a PhD. So. . .I mentioned the idea that maybe I won't have kids, recapped most of what is in my latest blog posts, etc. She was like, you know there is so much to be given to the kids of the world, they need so much.

Very true. There are many opportunities to help raise the kids of the world without having your own. Her kids call me "aunt" as do my little cousins - this is the sort of milestone I am talking about in my blog title. I could certainly be more focused in the way I work and spend time with the kids in my life. I also work with kids for my job, and that is the most exciting aspect - changing the way young people think is a huge responsibility and a huge chance to make the world a better place.

Not to mention, helping the kids' parents! They get so focused on their kids, they forget to take care of themselves - good to remind them to do that. . .and to listen to their latest stories about family, work, life. . .listening is a huge service in my book. Asking the right questions, too. . .ie "What do your instincts tell you to do?". . .then give your take on the situation.

So. . .needless to say, feeling regret at my earlier slam on motherhood. However, I don't feel guilty, just filled with new appreciation for the work and love that goes into it, and the shear difficulty of it. Hoping to help. I have been working out the difference between guilt (which is a negative force in relationships and life), and honest regret. The latter one is positive.

The stories of the Bible have some wisdom on that subject - the prodigal son, and Jonah come to mind first. Particularly, Jonah because it illustrates penitence. That beautiful human emotion speaks to accountability without guilt or self-hate, but love and gratitude. It also leads to the next step of devotion, or an unhesitant desire to serve with love and compassion.

Jonah from the whale's belly:

"What I have vowed I will pay; deliverance is from the Lord."

And God made the great beast spit him onto dry land. . .for which he was grateful - but his penitence had to come first. He also learned about the transformative power of penitence as an observer when he saw the people of Ninevah repent, and gain the Lord's forgiveness. He wasn't expecting that. . .

That is my Sunday morning sermon. . .Amen!