Recently my husband and I welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world.
After 9 months of carrying her; praying over her health daily, thinking about how she would be and then finally meeting her and having her in our arms was a surreal moment in time.
Our world has since been changed for the better and life as we knew it was instantly transformed by having this little one completely and utterly dependent on us for her every need.
The last couple of weeks have since been filled with round the clock feeding, changing, settling and bonding moments to build that connection to a new little person. From understanding what each of her cries mean to understanding how she likes to be held or spoken to; my husband and I have definitely felt the weight of responsibility and joy of new life in our home.
It’s amazing to see babies just born who (nb. without any complications) can be placed upon their mother’s belly or chest and instinctively start their reflex to feed; this is known as the breast crawl. This process is incredible because despite babies barely being able to physically see beyond 8-12 inches they know instinctively who their provider is and where their nourishment is coming from.
In Matthew 18 verses 2 - 4 (ESV) it says; “And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Although this new life change is still very new to me, I have already found that since becoming a mother I have an even greater appreciation for my own parents who have sacrificed so much for me to be where I am today. In addition to this, my understanding of a father’s love, from our heavenly father, has been challenged even more as well.
Change
During the stillness of night feeds I have been watching my baby girl’s complete dependence on me and that although she cannot see clearly far away just yet, she can hear and sense my presence in a moment; isn’t this much like how we are to come to our father in heaven.
We may not necessarily see everything that is going on but we are called to hear his voice and sense his presence where we find ourselves with a complete dependence on him alone who would nourish our spiritual lives.
As a mother, I am called to ensure I am ready to feed my baby when she needs nourishment, ensure I am watching out for any safety risks and protecting my baby from them, ensure that the baby is changed and looked after and ultimately bonding with her for their development each and every day.
In John 15 verse 5 (NIV) it says, ‘“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
In Matthew 4 verse 4 (NIV) it says, ‘Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
In Psalm 121 verse 3 (NIV) it says, “He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber.”
In Isaiah 41 verse 10 (NIV) it says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Motherhood
As per the above, similarly to motherhood, I am reminded that our father in heaven is doing these things for us each and every day as he is our source of refuge and nourishment for our spiritual life, he is protecting us from that which we know and that which we don’t even understand and ultimately our heavenly father along with the holy spirit are walking with us daily to show us how to mature, grow and develop as people set to impact humanity in our spheres of influence.
Although this journey into motherhood has just started, I can certainly say it has opened my eyes and heart to an entirely deeper love that God has for us and I pray that this is something that I can show my daughter and those around me as I step into each new day.
Meenal Chandra is a Sydney based writer who believes we are all in need of grit; whatever your age.
Meenal Chandra previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/meenal-chandra.html
Refer to “Why Millennials struggle for success” - Angela Duckworth. May 3, 2016 for quotes above.
Refer to “Grit: the power of passion and perseverance - Ted Talk” - Angela Duckworth. Published May 9, 2013.
