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A few weeks ago, we brought our first-born home from the hospital. For those readers who are parents, you know that there is nothing quite like those early days of parenthood. As I reflect back on the first two weeks of having our child at home, I am startled by how much time was spent preparing for the process of giving birth contrasted with the preparation for when the child actually arrives. Although I gave birth without the benefits of an epidural or other pain medications, I think that process was far less challenging than those first couple weeks at home. Life changes in radical, and for me, unanticipated ways when a child is added to your family. Adjusting to those changes is well worth the reward, but the adjustments are difficult nonetheless.
For me, the biggest challenge was the recognition that this little person was totally dependent on me. Because we have chosen to provide nourishment for our child through nursing, I was on call 24-7 if she was hungry. Two-week olds don’t really understand their momma’s need for a schedule or structure, and so their demand for food isn’t contingent on the convenience of providing it. Similarly, their sleeping patterns are not formed as a function of how much or how little sleep their parents are used to getting. Providing everything this little life needs is time-consuming and exhausting, and there appears to be little appreciation on the child’s part for doing so.
Yet, as I ponder these things, I can’t help but learned from my little one. After all, while it seems that she is completely dependent upon me, in reality, the both of us are completely dependent upon God (Acts 17:28). If I were to emulate in my relationship with God the trust and assurance that she displays towards me, not only would be relationship with Him be deeper and stronger, but I would be more steadfast as I walk the path that He has prepared for me. If I were to turn to Him as quickly as my hungry child turns to me, I would be better equipped to do the work to which He has called me. Instead, I’m afraid that I am quick to mirror my child’s seemingly lack of appreciation, while ignoring the other lessons that her dependence illustrates.
The goal for my child is that one day she will outgrow her dependence on me. It is our hope that she will one day be able to feed, provide and take care of herself and her ability to do so will be a mark of her maturity. For the Christian, the exact opposite is true. A mark of maturity is their increasing dependence upon their heavenly Father. As we do so, not only do we become like little children (Mt. 18:3), but we increasingly walk as Jesus did (I John 2:6; John 5:19).
Congratulations, dear friend! What a wonderful journey you have ahead of you, learning to trust God more in the life and growth of your little daughter! Blessings to your growing family now and always! Praying for you all!
Thanks Sadie!
No epidural? You are amazing! I had a c-section after 30 hours of labor, but nursing my son has been the most challenging. He has never had a drop of formula! He is still nursing at 17 months! It has been the most rewarding commitment I have ever made! You can do this! You are an amazing mom! Praying for you!
Thanks for the prayers Sara and for your kind and encouraging words!
Great words of wisdom my friend…remember in these difficult sleepless first few weeks and months to cherish those times despite the hard parts as each phase of her little life changes so quickly too the next that you will soon be yearning for those times when she was small enough to fall asleep curled up warmly on your chest… Jake is two and a half and sometimes he crawls on my chest to lay his head and hug me but he is a toddler now and not an infant… I miss those times of him falling asleep on me warmly tucked in my arms…such a time of closeness that only seemingly lasts a moment.
. Now all 35 pounds of him makes him hard to hold and carry…childhood seasons pass one to the next so quickly.
Thanks for your sweet words and the reminder to cherish the moments. I frequently remind myself of how blessed I am to have those challenging times – I am grateful for the privilege of being a mom!