‘I think of you with love’
By Steven Polley
Director, Offices of Youth Ministry and Adult Education
As I near the completion of my twelfth year of ministry, and as we enter into the joy of this Mother’s Day, my thoughts seem to drift back to the number of times mothers have thanked me for all that I have done for their son or daughter. As I listen to their words of appreciation I somehow cannot keep myself from thinking that I should be thanking them -- thanking them for sharing their child with so many others. For each young person truly is a gift and I am grateful for having the opportunity to share in their laughter, tears, sorrows and joys. To have the memories of all they have done is in itself a marvelous gift from God.
I was recently at another conference where I attended a workshop conducted by Dobie Mosier. Dobie has been working in the area of youth ministry for many years and is a wonderful youth minister and presenter. In November of 1996 he led our youth conference on non-violence, "Rainbows of Hope - Lovers of Life". During the workshop, Dobie shared this quote, "Our young people are a gift to be celebrated, not a problem to be solved." I had heard this statement before, but hearing it again was a good reminder.
As we honor all mothers on this day, I can only imagine that every mother is echoing these same thoughts: "My child is a gift to be celebrated." As I say thank you on this day to my mother for all that she has done for me, I believe that not by words, but by example, has she always sent a message, that all children are a gift to be celebrated. For my brother and myself I believe that this simple message has helped us become the persons we are.
Thus, I would like to conclude this column by once again referring to a song, since music has been such a big part of my life. In the past, I have referred to music by David Kauffman, and so again, I take us to a song from his retreat series, "I Think Of You With Love." As I share some of the lyrics with you, our first thoughts can be that this is God speaking to us. But too, I believe that in many ways, it can be our mothers, and the never ending prayers and thoughts they offer each day. Happy Mothers Day, and may God truly bless you and fill your day with many special graces.
"I Think Of You With Love" -- "Child of mine, precious is your life to me. Child so fine, Holy is my time with you. In a world that tells you so different. It’s easy to forget who you are. But I will always remember, and keep you here in my heart. Whenever I hear your voice, whenever I think of you. I think of you with love. Whenever I mention your name, whenever I speak of you. I think of you with love. In every memory, in every thought I have, I think of you. In every sun that rises and moon that sets, I think of you."