Back to Basics: Jesus' Love

Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke focuses on the importance of leading with love and keeping things simple when guiding her children.

Watching my 2-year-old son perform in his preschool’s Christmas pageant, “Hooray for Baby Jesus,” my soul filled with joy, happiness, and gratitude. Seeing my son partake in the celebration of Jesus' birth, the general love of the holiday season, and embracing God’s unconditional love gave me pauseful reflection as I watched the children sing as their adults looked on with proud and happy eyes. 

Challenges of parenting in a complicated world

I fully recognize that the world is messy, complicated, and scary. At times, I find myself at a loss for words when trying to conceptualize how I will prepare my children as best I can for their departure into their teen and adult years. So much conflicting messaging, streaming resources, and endless platforms can undoubtedly influence their developing brains, making it difficult for us to explain what’s real and what’s not. The overwhelming notion that we, their parents, hold the reins to guide them and show them the world they view can prove too much, especially when we are still processing our purposes in life.  

Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart’s desire. (Psalm 37:4) 

In preparation for such discussions and for my own research, I bought books, read research articles, listened to countless podcasts, and engaged in heartful conversations with other mothers and parents. I considered how I could protect my children while still encouraging them to grow. How can I give them all the tools for a successful and happy life? What else could I do? 

Learning to lead with love

And then it hit me during my son’s performance. Be an example, and lead with love just like Jesus. Stop overcomplicating everything and bring it back to the beginning, just like when He was born, with everyone celebrating His birth, where others were called to watch and celebrate something Holy and miraculous.

Watching my son’s performance, I celebrated His love with my son that day. On other days, I substituted for the Parish School of Religion at our parish, sometimes teaching my daughter’s class and showing by example that I, too, embrace the gifts I’ve been given, a chance to celebrate life and love others.  

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” (John 15:12) 

The basics of the Bible stories and the celebration of the birth of Jesus, especially around Christmas time, do not only apply to children but also serve as a vital reminder for all of us adults that we, too, can take a step back, embrace the basic teachings of Christ, and show our children by leading with love and setting an example for a life filled unconditional love, just as Jesus did, despite all of the noise in our messy, beautiful world. 

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Copyright 2025 Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke
Images: Canva