The closeness between parents and small children can be very special, something both will always cherish. This bond also hints at the tender closeness our Parent, God, has with each of us. And staying close to God's love ourselves lets us feel that closeness with our children wherever they might be.
In Science and Health Mary Baker Eddy explores the relationship of God and His children. For instance, she writes: "The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God's will must be universally done." Science and Health, p. 202. We have always been related to God, as His spiritual creation. Because God is our source, parents and children have in common His spiritual qualities, such as love and understanding. These qualities belong to each of us, but they need to be "wrought out in life-practice"—in respect for each other, unselfishness, cheerfulness.
I learned a lesson about living my closeness to God from one of my children some years ago. To me, this experience illustrated the spirit of a verse in the book of Proverbs: "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov. 18:24
