A Mom's Version of 1 Corinthians 13: 1-7

If I teach my kids the alphabet, shapes, numbers and letters, but I don't give love, I have taught them nothing but brainy noise. If I keep a clean home and fix healthy, delicious dinners, but I haven't loved, my efforts are useless. If I give all that is within me to offer my kids a Pinterest-worthy childhood, move mountains to give them opportunities, and raise them with faith, all of that is nothing without love.

Love is patient when my kids don't listen the first time. Love is kind when they spill my favorite lotion all over the floor. It does not envy other moms and kids, does not boast about where our family gets it right, and is not proud because...let's face it; my kids will shove someone else's kid and paint poop on the walls too, and I will have bad days where I yell or forget to pack diapers.

It does not dishonor; my kids are worthy of respect as human beings, and I will treat them as such. It is not self-seeking; my children's lives, bodies, and minds are their own no matter what my dreams are for them. It is not easily angered even if my kids drop my phone in the toilet. It doesn't keep track of how many things they've done "wrong" today, this week, or this month because they're learning, and learning means making mistakes. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth, so I will do this parenting thing with godliness and grace.

It always protects, so I will research fiercely, follow my instincts, and be bold to protect my cubs from any and all harm (with the exception of play-induced scrapes, bumps, and bruises). It always trusts, which means I will give my kids the benefit of the doubt, trust them to make mistakes and grow, and trust God through all of it. It always hopes, so I won't let my messy house get me down or believe the lie that teething and sleep regression lasts forever. Love always perseveres, so day by day, through thick and thin, through tantrums and celebrations, we will push on together.

-Her Arms Are Strong version of 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, inspired by the original NIV version below. 

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." -1Corinthians 13:1-7, NIV

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