Cinta kepada Allah adalah puncaknya cinta. Lembahnya cinta adalah cinta kepada sesama.
We are sitting at lunch when my daughter
Casually mentions that she and her
husband are thinking of "starting a family."
"We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking.
"Do you think I should have a baby?"
"It will change your life," I say, carefully
keeping my tone neutral.
"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on
weekends, no more spontaneous vacatio
I hope she will understand why I can think
rationally about most issues, but become
temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of
nuclear war to my children's future.
I want to describe to my daughter the
exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.
I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby
who is touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for
the first time.
I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it
actually hurts.
My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize
that tears have formed in my eyes.
"You'll never regret it," I finally say.
Then I reach across the table, squeeze my
daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer for her,
and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women
who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings.
This blessed gift from God . . . that of being a Mother.