A mother’s love is the most powerful force on earth

Let me set the stage: We are waiting in line for a ride at Disney World. My young son grabs my hand and tugs. “Mama?” he says, “I have a question.”

“Yes?” I respond, scanning the crowd and internally strategizing the rest of the afternoon, totally engrossed in my thoughts. Out of nowhere, he asks, “Can everyone feel the same love? Like in their hearts, like I feel it in my heart? Can everyone in the world feel that love in my heart? And also. Do you think that love is God, did God make the whole world or did the whole world make God?”

My boy is not yet five. I wasn’t expecting that in the middle of Disney chaos. He’s been asking me about the origins of the “whole world” for a while, but during thoughtful times. At the beach. On a quiet walk. Not Disney World.

I took a big breath and considered. “Well.” I started. “People believe all different kinds of things, what matters is what you believe.”

“What do you believe, Mom?”

So I took a breath and answered what I believe, “I do think all people can feel love—I think people can choose to feel it, or choose not to feel it.” I didn’t attempt the second part of the question—Did the world make God or did God make the world? I vaguely told him grown-ups are still trying to figure that out, and that we would talk later.

After catching my breath and making sure I had answered this big question—at least semi-appropriately—it dawned on me: What a privilege it is to have these small humans traveling this path with me.

Being with them is a constant reminder of what is really important—the love that is in our hearts.

There is so much craziness in the world around us. Terrible, nonsensical violence, incredible amounts of pain and suffering. And the antidote to these horrid truths of humanity? Love.

As mothers, we have the opportunity to see our children for the pure love they are, and to keep that love as the basis of their upbringing. With every child who grows up living in love, believing in the power of love, we can potentially add awareness, compassion, and beauty to an all too often cruel and ugly world. What could be more important for the future of our children, the future of our planet?

At times it is easy to forget what an important job we are doing as mothers. But really. I truly believe we mamas have the potential to change the world. When we are gifted with these spirits who come into this world with questions like, Can every one feel the love in my heart? We have the opportunity to increase the flow of love around the world. We can change the tide of violence with every kiss, every cuddle, every thoughtful response.

Is there any more powerful force on earth?

When I overhear a conversation between my children—my son asking “What makes the world keep spinning?” and his sister responds with “I think its love. The world needs love to spin.” I know that is the only basic truth my children need to know. We mothers (and fathers) tend to worry about all the choices we are making—food, extracurricular activities, schools, bedtime routines, on and on and on.

I don’t think we need to worry so much. If I’m ever in that place—that anxiety—sorting out the minutia of details in my mind—I have to sit back, take a big breath and look at my beautiful babies. Really look at them. And then I remember. It’s not about anything but love.

That’s the only lesson they need—and the easy part—is they already know that. I’m the one who forgets.

Beautiful mama, don’t stress on the details. Did you and your child share the love that is in your hearts today? That’s all we need to do.

This story was originally published May 1, 2016. It has been updated.