Mother God.Mother Me

I

I was asked to share with a group of moms on how I have kept God in focus in spite of the challenges I faced. Having a passion for supporting families, I agreed. I proceeded to prepare as best as I could. I also asked a few friends to pray – most importantly that God should guide my preparation. I hope to remind my fellow sisters-in-Christ what our priorities are and what our attitudes should be when we embrace motherhood (serving our families as well as to bring the mother heart of God to all) – faithfully, joyfully and without complaints.

Our morning picnic at the Botanic Gardens was great! I thank God for the wonderful weather, fabulous food and heartwarming fellowship (there was a birthday celebration for one of the mommies too!). God also provided sacrificial hubbies and kind helpers to see to the children’s needs while the ladies sat at the feet of Jesus to soak in His Word. I am thankful that God gave me just enough time to do whatever I’ve planned. Little did I know that the sharing, while it benefited the women (as they graciously thanked me), was God’s way of reminding me to abide in Him.

II

EVERYONE had fever. I had a little itchiness and phlegm in my throat.

EVERYONE was lying down. I was the only vertically upright one.

EVERYONE wanted MOMMY. I wanted REST…

I attended to everyone the best that I could, fleeting from one person to another, did the laundry, cooked and washed up, stayed home on Sabbath to take care of them etc. I was doing my best, busy as a bee…

III

At dinner, CM commented, “Why are you so grumpy?”

OUCH!

That was a hard hit.

Immediately, I knew that my heart was not right.  God then brought to mind what I had encouraged the ladies to do. I had failed miserably! I repented and seek forgiveness. I’m so thankful for the few friends who prayed for me to serve with joy – God has answered your prayers 🙂

I praise God that He was extremely merciful – this tough trial lasted only for one and a half days. I’m so grateful that lots of rest along with the routine of lukewarm baths, drinking plenty of water, gurgling with acidic water and taking of supplements (to strengthen immune system) had helped their bodies fight the virus successfully. Finally, I see more lively vertical beings moving around in the house. Incidentally, I also discovered new ways to take care of more than one patient concurrently. God has His purpose for this illness…

Romans 8.27-28
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

IV

God mothered me – He kept me afloat; He strengthened me physically (somehow I had to attend to non-priority but urgent tasks), mentally and spiritually. He enabled CM to help when he was able so I could take a nap or breather.

As I worked, I badly wanted to stop and rest. Not being able to lie down, I kept asking God: how does one rest in a vertical position?

God said,”Rest in ME.  Remain in ME.”