Moms, Photos, And Love That You Want to Put In A Box So You Always Have It With You

 Last night, as my mom stood in church taking pictures of Chris and I receiving our Confirmation, I laughed, because it took me back to when she'd take pictures of my brother and I at our school functions, Boy and Girl Scouts events, recitals, and various other activities.  More importantly, I felt the unconditional love of the sweetest and fiercest woman I know.

It's not easy getting my family to church these days--I usually have to find an excuse of  a special occasion, or travel to other parts of the world and make it part of our itinerary. So, last night was one of those special occasions.  It was Easter Vigil, and a very important night for Chris and I, as well as  hundreds of thousands of people around the world doing the very same thing. I even got my brother into the pews, which meant the world to me.

I see my mom get antsy when we're in church these days, because she rarely goes, so she gets anxious about remembering what to do. I tell her, "Mom, God loves you like you love me.  He doesn't care if you mess up.  In fact, he probably loves you more when you mess up, because you still show up with love."

Knowing how she feels, I was deeply warmed when it was time for Chris and I and our thirty or so friends to stand up in front of the church, and she had no anxiety about standing up in the pews to snap pictures of us. That was my mother, continuing to capture the big and small moments in our lives with her love and her ginormous iPhone.

This week has been so special, and we continue to receive SO MUCH love.  This morning, we woke up and opened the gifts and read all the cards we received from Confirmation.  I started to tear up when I realize that many of these cards, prayers, and kind words came from folks we don't even know.  Yet, we know they are our family, not just because we belong to the same parish and the same faith, but because humanity means loving each other as brothers and sisters.  Chris and I are truly blessed to know this kind of pure and unconditional love.  We put all the cards and gifts in a box we've labeled our "God Box" so that we may open it whenever we want to or need to feel the power this incredible love.

May YOU always remember that you, too, are deeply LOVED.  You may think it strange that a stranger could honestly love you and wish for your well-being, but I promise you it's true.

BIG LOVE & HUGS

Love,

Justine

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