Once on Mount Athos, a young novice took care of two elderly monks, managing all the chores while never missing a single Liturgy. The burden became overwhelming after several years, and he wanted to leave the monastic life.

"I'll get married, become a priest! Live like everyone else," he contemplated. But how to break the news to the monks? Surely they would be disappointed and try to dissuade him. The elders were genuinely saddened upon hearing about his intention to leave the monastery. They were deeply concerned about the young man's fate, as he was abandoning what they held so dear: the monastic path. They also understood that they would lose the help they desperately needed. However, they said nothing in response, silently and humbly accepting the novice's decision.

As the former novice gathered his belongings to bid farewell, the elders, with heavy hearts, made the sign of the cross over him and handed him an envelope. Inside were all the money they had!

"Take it, my son! It will help you until you find your way. And we will somehow manage here; the Lord will not forsake us."

The young man knew how difficult their life was. By giving him all their savings, the elders sacrificed everything for him. All for him, nothing for themselves. There was so much love, acceptance, and understanding in this act! Overwhelmed, he fell at their feet and wept.

"I won't leave you! I won't stray from this path!"

In my childhood, I had a similar experience. I wanted to do something bad just for the thrill of it. I decided to skip school secretly, even though I was always allowed to stay home if I felt tired. There was no need for my deceit, but I craved excitement. My friend executed the same plan at a different school. We met and went to Manezhnaya Square to stroll and eat ice cream. The operation was a success!

However, as soon as I returned home, my conscience began to accuse me. I looked into my mother's kind eyes, and everything inside me tightened. How could I betray her trust? I felt myself drifting away from her, yearning for the lost emotional closeness. I resisted until late evening before mustering the courage to confess. She listened calmly and understandingly. It turned out my mother already knew because the teacher had called her. She covered for me, waiting for me to come to repentance. She wasn't angry; she just said her heart ached as my deceit started to separate us. She was genuinely happy that I realized it on my own.

I am incredibly fortunate to be my mother's daughter. Thanks to her, I learned about unconditional love.

Original article: https://radiovera.ru/bezuslovnaja-ljubov-jana-kapaeva.html