I love the story of Olympic diving champion, Greg Louganis, who years ago was asked how he coped with the pressures of international diving competition. He replied that when he climbed to the board, he took a deep breath and thought to himself, "Even if I blow this dive, my mother will still love me." Then he went for excellence.

What worked for Louganis’ dive into the water is what works for all of us when we take the plunge into day-to-day life. We need to know we will be loved, and not with just any kind of love, but with a love that is forgiving, enduring, unconditional, and eternal. The kind of love that gives strength for life. The kind of love that renews us and upholds us.

If we feel we have to constantly prove ourselves to others, and that we have to get a "10" all the time, we will grow empty and bitter. But if we know first and foremost that we are loved "no matter what", we will live in confidence and lead productive lives. This is the love that we celebrate on Mother’s Day. This is the love of our Heavenly Father.

God loves his children so much that He gave his own Son to die on a cross for our sin. In this event he was making a statement: "I love you even when you blow it. Now, go for excellence! Live your life in joy and confidence, free from fear and self-accusation."

I thank my Mom for loving me that way. I thank her for loving me like God loves me. It has made all the difference.

Happy Mother’s Day!