Letter to a New Mom

You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

Psalm 139:5

Dear Chosen One,

Hi.  You may not know me, but I want to be next to you.  I promise I won't tell you how to feel, because you have to.  Feel....everything.  And it won't always  be easy; and it won't always  be comfortable; and the joy you expected to feel has been pressed under, pushed away, like something that got swept under the bed before unexpected company.  Because what you're going through, right now, is unexpected.  But I promise, that joy will come flooding back a hundred-fold, a thousand-fold.  I chose you for this role.  This motherhood.  I know you, and I know what you're capable of, and I know that you will seek me when you need strength, when you need hope, when you need reassurance.  And I will be there for you. 

That joy?  It will come at unexpected moments - when you breathe in the baby-smell of lotion and no-more-tears, when skin-to-skin is your entire world.  It will come in the first moments - first word, first smile, first step.  Just like other babies, typical babies.  But this baby you hold so tightly may not stay on the typical schedule.  This child might make you slow down; which just means you can hold onto those joy-moments a little longer.  

Feel my arms, holding you.  Feel my hands brushing away those tears of confusion, of confession, of fear.  Let my tears fall with yours.  I know.  I've been there.  It's scary to hold this life, this new life that you carried and nurtured within your womb - deep inside - breathing with you, growing, moving - protected.  A part of you.  You will always protect this life.  You can feel it, can't you?  That bond.  That fierce, powerful, overwhelming bond.  Even though this baby may not live the life you imagined.  It's ok - this baby will live an unimaginable life!  Full of surprises.  A life that will not only bless you and your family, but others as well.

And you will love this child.  Because this child will teach you how to love in ways you never dreamed.  And if you have other children - you will love them better, stronger, bigger, with extravagance and exuberance - because your love, your ability to love, has been tempered.  And if you don't already know, you will learn to find joy in the simple, the ordinary, the everyday, because these are celebrations in your life.   Everyday gifts.

I will be with you always.  Darkness will not hold you, because I will light your way.  I will keep you safe.  I will guide you.  Talk to me when you need to talk.  Whisper my name and I will come.  I will cry with you; I will laugh with you.  Do not fear; do not be anxious.  I will help you.  I will be with you always.

With Great, Deep Love,

God

Dear God, thank you for always being near, 
for never leaving us, 

for making us fearfully and wonderfully 
in your image.  

All of us.  

Thank you for comforting and guiding new parents - especially those with differently-abled children.  You show us your love in so many ways - Amazing God, Awesome God, 
Loving Father. 

Thank you.

Linking with:
Monday's Musings
Hear It On Sunday