There are essential
parts and finishing touches to be added," her Maker replied.
"I look pretty good to me,"
she said, peering into the crystal pool at her feet.
"True, you're looking better
all the time. But bear with me."
"What does a mother have to
do, God, besides wash, feed, and clothe little bodies?"
God only smiled and continued
working.
"What are you doing now?"
the curious mother-to-be questioned.
"Tightening your anger
valve. If this doesn't work, everyone is in trouble."
She watched as He reached
for the container marked patience. "And what do I need patience
for?" she asked as
He poured in quite a supply.
"After a week you will know,
my child."
"And whatever could that be?"
"This is your bypass mechanism.
It enables a mother to operate efficiently for long periods of time
without compliments from her children."
"I'm sure I won't need that."
"I'm sure you will."
Then God reached for a bundle
labeled insulation against loud noises.
"You can skip that," she told
him. "I don't mind a little noise."
"That's nice," He said.
Seeing all the energy He was
preparing to give her, she shifted uneasily from one foot to the
other. "I wouldn't need all that energy in a million years."
"Little you know. You will
use all of this and be begging for more before long."
"I didn't know there was so
much involved in being a mother. You're not just putting me on,
are you?"
"No, little mother."
With much apprehension, "Are
you sure I can handle the job?"
"Quite sure...with help.
I'm always available when you need me."
"I'm glad to know that. What
could I possible need all these for?"
"A certain amount of pain,
so that you will be fully equipped to sympathize with and minister
to the needs of your children when they feel pain; tears, so that
you will be able to cry with them when they are hurt; and laughter
to blend with theirs for happy times."
The mother-in-waiting fidgeted
while God attached yes and no buttons. "Wouldn't it be nicer just
to say yes to my children all the time?"
"Definitely not.
Good mothers need to say
no--and often. Say it with kindness and they will respect you for
it."
"Have you equipped me with
this thing called kindness, Lord?"
"I have indeed."
"And what about respect? Do
I have to respect my children?"
"Absolutely."
The anxious mother tried to
be patient as God installed a question answerer, advice giver, get
along without sleep, and a pretender not to notice.
"I know I wouldn't use one
of those!" she said, as God came toward her with a let-go lever.
"Sure you will, though
it's hard. This is a vital piece of equipment. Until this little
lever is released, your children will not have room to grow properly,
make their own decisions, or develop their own personalities."
"I guess that is important."
God stood back a few steps
to appraise His work, then reached for a coat of love and wrapped
it around her. "Wear this at all times, and you'll be a good mother."
"Am I ready now, God, to get
on with the mothering bit?"
"You can go now," God said
gently. "You're not perfect, but you will do."
