"Not all warfare looks like fighting." - Douglas Wilson
I was reading a good chapter in a book by Nancy Wilson, an author I respect greatly, and she had these good things to say about motherhood - "Just as men labor in the field, women labor in childbirth. It is hard work. ... This is a good work that women do, and it is a difficult and sometimes perilous engagement." In the words of Anne Bradstreet,
"How soon, my Dear, death may my steps attend,
How soon't may be thy lot to lose thy friend." - Before the birth of one of her children.
I by no stretch of the imagination have much "under my belt" when it comes to the calling of Motherhood. I do have battle scars. There is unspeakable joy in holding that perfectly formed little human, the fruit of the womb. There is also pain. I remember having anxiety attacks when we got out of the hospital those first days - we'd be driving down the road, our precious bundle wrapped up in the backseat, safe and secure in her carseat and I would be unable to breathe. Terrified that we'd be in a car wreck, that I would trip and fall on her, that a tree would fall on us. My wonderful husband prayed with me through each one and we conquered those fears. I have many years ahead of me - triumphs, trials, laughter and tears ahead of me - but I take great comfort and courage from the many brave feet of mothers who have gone before me.
Don't fear the pain life brings. Face it head on, draw your sword. Stand on the promises God gives. Not all warfare looks like fighting, some of it looks like childbearing. Some of it looks like nursing while pregnant and eating all the time while battling morning sickness and keeping up on the laundry. It looks like bearing the pain of miscarriage, and knowing you'll meet your little one in heaven one day. I keep thinking when I get there I'll see a little baby waiting for me to carry in my arms - far more likely I will meet a grown child of mine. It's celebrating children's birthdays, graduations, weddings. Carry on, good soldier. This is a good work that women do. Happy Mother's day, indeed.
