Moving is not easy. It’s even more difficult when you’ve left behind a perfectly well-formed life to start afresh. Since moving from an owned house to a rental house, I’m on a constantly watching the kids closely, trying to prevent the house from any damage. I seem to seize every opportunity to remind my kids not to touch the walls with dirty hands or run the truck too hard over the hardwood floors. I ask them to close the cupboard doors gently, walk softly, and be extra mindful and careful of the landlady’s precious property. I just want to be able to return the house in the state we found it, if not better.
I started to think deeper. If my kids are an amanah (trust) from Allah just like the house is the landlady’s amanah to us, I wonder what Allah would think of me as His tenant. Would He find cracks in His property from the times I yelled a little too loudly? Or hardened scale, from teary outbursts I didn’t welcome openly? Will there be scratches from little broken hearts because I was too busy to listen to their stories? Once again, it made me take account of all these wonderful blessings I take for granted. By giving me my kids, what has Allah entrusted me with?
HE gave me the most beautiful property a person can lease – rent free
HE let me re-live my childhood memories so vividly
HE provided warmth and comfort in a hug and squeeze
HE asked me to vacuum my faults so my soul was cleaned
HE prompted me to scrub my patience so (hopefully) it will gleam
He encouraged me to wax and polish my social skills
He let me dust away my fears by kissing their tears
He brought me closer to Him by letting me guide and lead
He invested in firm hands that will hold mine when I am elderly
He appointed grievers who will remember me fondly after I’m gone
He made me look after HIS property but really HE was making me look after ME
Aaliyah Mavani
Aaliyah is mother to two budding little scientists, recently relocated from London to New Jersey. She also runs an online directory for moms (www.busymummys.co.uk).
