Little Lessons

God has been using my precious son as a way to speak to me, and it is awesome. Here is just a little something.

As I was reading my devotional and praying, Gideon began to cry. This was definitely not out of the ordinary for when I try to have "quiet time". Honestly, its pretty hard to get these days. So as he was crying, I'm still praying and am starting to feel guilty that I'm not responding to him, then feeling guilty that I'm not giving the Lord my full attention. I then hear this from the Lord.

"Comfort your baby as I comfort you. As he cries out to you, that is how you are when you cry out to me. Think of how quickly you want to respond to him because you love him. How much more do I do the same for you? Not because I have to although this is the role I play in our relationship as father, but because I hear the desperate cry of my child that I love and I can't help wanting to comfort you."

How awesome is that? God wanted me to quickly respond to the cries of my son, not feel guilty that it was an "inconvenient" time. He wanted me to know that this is how He responds to me. He gladly runs to me when He hears my cry. He doesn't hesitate. He always comes when I call. And I'm thankful for that. 

Of course I listened to God on this and quickly began trying to comfort my son. I started by trying to tell him that mommy was here and it would be okay. I then tried a song or two. But, as I've learned, the same thing he loved yesterday doesn't always work today. He began screaming louder and he couldn't hear me anymore.Then, I heard this. 

"I always hear your cries, but sometimes you can't hear me over your own pleas for attention. Take a breath and listen. I have what you need." 

Just like my son in that moment, couldn't hear me over his own cries, God reminded me that I'm like this sometimes. I'm crying out to Him, but not being able to hear Him over my myself. Basically, talking but not listening. Whoa.

Two amazing little lessons in such a short time. God always hears my cries. He responds to my needs. He is faithful. But, in my cries, I must remember to give Him the chance to answer me, to stop and listen to His voice, His instruction. And to focus less on my cry/need and more on the answer, more on Him. 

Im grateful for a God that hears me and responds to my needs. And I'm privileged to be able to have a similar role in mothering my child. I get to learn from the Father how to respond to my child's needs among other things. I'm glad that My husband and I don't have to do this parenting thing alone. We have the best teacher there is. And He speaks to me in the most amazing and simple ways. 

And yes, if you're wondering, my son eventually stopped crying and let his mommy love on him. I sure do love my little blessing.

 "The Righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles."--Psalm 34: 17.

Becoming Mommy

I could write for hours about all the things I've been learning in my experience as a mother for the past month, but who has hours to blog when you're a new mom!? Seriously, this post is pushing it and is being done during a pumping session (TMI?) to utilize time. Here are some things I've learned so far:

1) Childbirth and recovery ain't easy. Enough said. 

2) Having a morning cup of coffee doesn't have the same meaning anymore. It really consists of trying to hold a cup of hot liquid while simultaneously holding a crying baby and trying to use one hand to soothe him as I I try to take a few sips to start the day.

3) Showers are a privilege. Shaving is a luxury.

4) Alone time is non existent. Yet, I don't really want to leave baby's side anyway. 

5) Will  I ever get 8 hours of sleep again? Somehow though, I'm surviving. 

6) Someone else is more important than me. My needs are secondary.

7) Meals are meant to be eaten one handed and quickly, if at all.

8) When in doubt, sing. Make up words. Make up songs. Hopefully no one else besides that sweet baby is listening, but if it works, it works. Just do it.

9) My little love changes everyday. Clothes that fit yesterday don't fit today.

10) Baby cuddles really are the sweetest thing in the world.

11) Its a struggle whether or not to wake a sleeping baby to eat. He looks adorable, and it's so peaceful. Does he really need to eat right now?

12) His smiles are worthy of a celebration.

13) Tracking pees and poops become second nature. 

14) Changing my own baby's diaper really isn't gross at all.

15) Going out of the house is an event. Somehow I can overpack yet still forget something.

16) Pjs are the daily work attire.

17) Chores should be done at lightning speed if I want to get them done at all.

18) God made this tiny little miracle, and He entrusted me with it. How crazy awesome is that?

19) This season may be challenging but it's ever so sweet and short. As I look down at my precious miracle, I'm reminded that it won't be like this for long & I want to soak up every moment.

20) I truly have the best job in the world!