Life. Wow, who knew a baby could be so time consuming?
I say that with a smile. Everyone knows this to be true. It's not like you don't see it coming, but I don't think any woman could grasp the reality until she walks down this road herself. That being said, I've been yearning to write for ages and am just now finding some time to do it. We will see how far I get before the little one wakes up from her nap!
It might sound weird for a woman to say this, but my respect for women has seriously skyrocketed. I'm pretty convinced now that moms are the most amazing creatures God ever made. Childbirth, motherhood, and those things I can only imagine at this point...juggling multiple kids, parenting teenagers, etc, etc...just wow. As a daughter, it makes me appreciate so much what my own mom has done for me for so many years. My heart is full of gratitude and love over her sacrifice and selflessness. And my appreciation isn't just for her, but it extends to ALL the moms I know. I have so much more respect and admiration for these powerful women.
I think there is a general belief that men are stronger than women because they can pick up heavier things. But not a chance. How can mothers not be the strongest beings to walk this planet? Don't get me wrong, men are wonderful, smart, and hard-working. But no matter how strong, intelligent, or persevering, all men were once their mother's helpless baby boy. Their mothers not only gave them life, but sustained their life and THEN gave everything they had (and then some) to raise them, purely out of love. What an amazing reflection of God's character!
My little girl is amazing. She is, of course, more advanced and beautiful than any other baby ever (goes without mentioning, I'm sure), and she is truly a delight. I confess, there are definitely times where I feel totally drained and would do anything just to have a day off...but then I would miss her. She is the toughest and best job I've ever had. A constant demand and a continuous joy. I am so in love with her, it's ridiculous.
I'm sure I will be writing about her more later...whenever she gives me the chance and I can ignore the dirty dishes again.
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Freedom. What an amazing word that is.
I am becoming more and more presently aware that gaining freedom requires honesty--with oneself, with God, with others. I have always been an upfront person: no nonsense, no drama, be real and get healthy. But there are ALWAYS things we run away from, whether that be fear, insecurity, lies, wounds...things that we harbor secretly in our hearts that we want to ignore. (By the way, I believe denial is one of the most powerful motivators for inaction and has some of the most painful consequences.)
God is just working on me during this time of my life, and I am loving it. He is bringing me into places I've never been before, challenging my heart & increasing my freedom. Worship is blowing my mind. Soaking in His truth has been so enlightening and refreshing. I am just so aware that Jesus wants to exchange ALL of His love and ALL of the fruits of His Spirit for ALL of our brokenness.
More later, baby beckons.
