Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
After spending the holidays with granddaughters who have toddlers, I am exhausted just observing everything they do in a period of one day. Although there were extended family members present who always wanted to pitch-in and help out, it was obvious how taxing all the things these young mothers do on a daily basis must be. I’m talking about three young mothers who have different circumstances in their homes. One mother has two children, a three year old and a two month old. She and her husband work full time in ministry at their local church. Another granddaughter has a ten month old who can walk faster and steadier than I do. She is a stay home mom, and her husband is in the military. Although he is home now, he is frequently deployed for three-month periods. The third granddaughter and her husband are in the military and currently full time students. She has a one year old and is expecting their second child in five months. Just WOW!
As I watched these precious young mothers, I was quickly reminded of the days when my children were small. My son and daughter were born 10 ½ months apart, and there were some very distinct circumstances that created challenges during those first few months and actually years. My son had a severe asthma attack when he was only six months old, and thus we made many trips to the hospital for emergency treatment. He also had severely sensitive skin; so everything that touched his body was required to have special treatment in the laundry cycle. Do you see where I am going with this? My daughter, who was the older of the two children, was perfectly healthy and required very little attention. Her personality in addition to her blessed health put her in the shadows during daily routines. My mother’s heart was heavy for both of my children and their individual needs during these important developmental years.
These two scenarios are fifty years apart. Many things in the “baby world” have changed during those fifty years. Like, sharing with my granddaughters that there was no such thing as disposable diapers or car seats. or seat belt. (I drove with one baby under my right arm, and the other baby in my lap!). However, there is one thing that hasn’t changed even from the days that my own mother was raising her family; the amazing amount of effort and energy given by mothers of children. Because of this, the words of Paul in I Corinthians ring true; we need to take care of ourselves while we are taking care of others. I often hear the words, “I’ve got to take care of myself so I can be here for my children.” I agree and contend that Paul tells us we need to take care of ourselves because our life is a gift from God.
How we take care of ourselves varies from person to person. Maybe sleeping anytime you have the opportunity, feeling you need time to study your Bible, meditate, or even a complete meal without interruption. The important message is this is what you need and will only happen when you set your mind to taking time for yourself. When and how you do that will be up to you but you have permission...from God.
Your fellow Able Mom,
Nancy Middlebrooks
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