Motherhood, Love, and the Cross

I never fully understood the love of Christ until I had my first baby, Elin. It's amazing what we do as Moms. The things we do to make sure our precious baby is well taken care of is beyond what I had ever imagined. I realize I can't be as carefree, sleep in late, and think of and for just myself anymore. I always have at least two thoughts, one for myself and one for Elin. I constantly think about her present and future needs. I map out and plan for contingencies. I think about feeding her the right foods and the right way, if I am doing enough to stimulate her brain, what and when she should start preschool, how to balance protecting her while allowing failures so that she can grow and be strong, if any of my choices are going to harm her health or future, etc. And the list could go on and on. 

When I pack for vacation, I pack for my dear hubby, myself, and Elin, plus for every emergency I can think of. Before we go to church with Elin, I make sure she is fed healthy breakfast, go to potty, bathe her, dress her, put her socks and shoes on, all pretty and ready to go, while I am still in my pajamas, have not eaten anything, or taken a shower. Before we go out to eat with Elin, I make sure I pack her utensils and bibs, her water bottle that won't spill everywhere, and her home-cooked food in a thermal container to keep it warm. I make sure she goes to the potty and check her diaper before going out, bring a change of clothes (or two), bring her booster seat for her to sit on safely, bring something to keep her entertained while at the table (like paper and crayons), remove all things out of reach that could be dangerous and shouldn't be played with, and scan the menu to see what she could possibly order that she will eat (if I don't bring her food from home). Only then I think about what I would eat while keeping an eye on Elin so that she doesn't fall or get injured by who-knows-what. My mind is always thinking about the next thing on the running list in my head. When she is sick, I wish I can take her place so she doesn't have to go through it. When I am sick, I just pray that it will not last too long so I can take care of her and play with her. And yes, I will gladly lay down my life for her. Sure motherhood isn't easy, but we place our trust and hope in our living God. I can love because Christ first loved us.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

And you know what, that's what Jesus did for us. He created us so that we can enjoy fellowship, communion, and intimacy with him. He always has our  best in mind. He prepares for us everything we need so that we can live IN this world but not OF this world and do worldly things. He gives us opportunities to learn and let us fail so that we can grow, but He never leaves us. 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Someone shared this video some time back. It's a story about life, death, and love of my Savior. Life is worth living because He lives.

"We say live. The cross says die. We say defend. The cross says lay down. We say power. The cross says humility. We say vengeance. The cross says forgiveness. We say indulgence. The cross says moderation. We say self. The cross says service. We say us. The cross says others. We say happiness. The cross says holiness. We say try harder. The cross says repent of trying." - From the Book What Every Man Wishes His Father Had Told Him.

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