Most mothers don't have time to answer this question. They are too busy actually tending to the conveyor belt of requests, demands, and tummies of small people in their care. 

 

There is a three minute video that addresses a less frequently posed query. 

 

"Does God need me?"

 

The two gentlemen bandying this about compare mortals to feet. Surely ankles depend on the upper body to give them purpose. Walking with nowhere to go gets old. But conversely the person's intentions rest on soles and heels to implement them. God uses you and me as limbs to show up in the lives of His children with a casserole, or encouragement. 

 

The speakers went on to compare our relationship to God with the one we have with our children. Of course toddlers need us. But ask any mother whether she would go back to that simpler existence before parenthood began and she will either burst into tears or clutch her child with an iron grip. Mothers need their children. At least if such things can be measured by joy. Or meaning. Or a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Or the middle of the night for that matter. 

 

My granddaughter can spell her name. I have watched the video of her sweet voice articulating each of seven letters at least twenty times. The feeling it evokes in me is stronger than liking. Deeper than wanting. More expansive than craving. There was life before Olympia, I admit. But having tasted what it means to have her now there is no going back.  

 

 

God loves each and every human being and because He cannot do good to them directly, but only indirectly by means of other people, He therefore breathes into people His love. True Christianity 457