June 5, 2017 was a memorable day for our family. We welcomed our son, Graham Thomas Shawver, into this world after nearly 42 weeks in my belly. If there’s one thing I am certain of after giving birth, it’s that God certainly is still in the miracle business.
Since becoming a new mom, I’ve learned several lessons that seem quite familiar to things I’ve heard in church and that serve as great reminders as I go about my days with a newborn.
Lesson 1: Babies can only survive with the help of someone else.
When it comes to pure survival, babies can’t feed themselves. And they certainly can’t change their own diapers, either. Necessities come from someone who loves them, usually their mother and father. In many ways, we are like babies to the Lord, relying upon Him for everything we need.
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on…for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:25, 32-33)
Lesson 2: When a baby cries, someone is bound to hear.
Crying usually indicates something is wrong; your baby is hungry, needs a new diaper, wants to be held, or is ready for his nap. Crying is a baby’s means of communication — as loud as it may be. We, too, have our own ways of communicating with the Lord when something is troubling us. We talk to Him in prayer, we sing to Him with song, and He hears every whisper, every note.
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” (James 5:13)
Lesson 3: Someone’s gotta do the dirty work.
Most people wouldn’t put changing a dirty, smelly diaper at the top of their list of favorite things to do. But, as parents and caretakers of a newborn, it’s something that has to be done. At its very core, it’s a stinky task that yields great rewards: a clean, happy baby. Challenges in life often bring our greatest blessings. But, we have to keep the faith and hang on when the going gets tough (or smelly!) to see the sunshine on the other side of the storm cloud.
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee… And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:6,8)
Now, it’s your turn! What lessons have you learned from your time as a parent that can be linked to your spiritual life? Please share in the comments!
This article has undergone ministry review and approval.
When my daughters were very little I loved looking st the world through their perspective. They embraced every new thing with beauty and wonder like sticking out their tongue to taste the first snowfall. Enjoy this beautiful season of life.
Truly believe we were given our miracle, Jordan, to help me understand how God could possible love me the way that I am. I knew the love of a family, then the love of my soulmate, and then the love of the church. But nothing prepares you for that moment your child is born and you realize you would do absolutely anything for your child. Unconditional love. It is overwhelming, it overwhelms me still. No matter what he may or may not do, I love my son.
Additionally the love I have for my son helps me comprehend the amount of faith Abraham must have had as he prepared his son to be sacrificed. AND
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
His perfect son Jesus. Oh, what love. I am so grateful for that love.
I agree with both Sister Linda and Sister Suzanne! Additionally, having kids makes me realize that, although children are born innocent, they are truly born with a sin nature. They weren’t born with the impulse to do the right, good thing all the time. I have to teach them good behavior — sharing, saying please/thanks, not grabbing things off the supermarket shelves, etc. 🙂 It makes me realize how much we all, as humans, need a savior!
Praise JESUS for the miracle of life. My Sisters laid it out perfectly. I would like to add what amazes me most about how GOD’S gift of children affects us spiritually. When HE uses my boys (20,17 and 15) to teach me or lead me to something I need to grow with HIM. Also, when HE uses them to show me what I’m doing wrong in life. Example is when I’m disciplining the kids and then I realize that I’m doing the same thing but maybe in a slightly different way to GOD, it really hits me.
P.S. Congrats to my Brother and Sister with the Birth/ Blessing of Graham