Mother's Day

So this past weekend, we celebrated my first "official" Mother's Day! Last year, I was very pregnant with Isaiah, so at the time it felt as though I was celebrating . . . but oh, the difference between a baby in your belly and a baby in your arms! Here are a few pics from the day:

Sweet flowers, cards and gift

Family pic! Of course Mr. Vick likes to be in on the action :-).

My precious son--what a gift!

I'm not a huge fan of these types of holidays. So often, they only seem to heap added pressure and stress to our already-busy lives, and they can seem so contrived. Am I to only celebrate my mother one day a year?? Everyday should be Mother's Day or Father's Day, etc. etc. That said, I do like the significance of it being the first one, especially after a couple of years of waiting, longing and hoping. Finally having the title of "mother" is something to celebrate!

Aaron did a wonderful job "spoiling" me with beautiful flowers, a thoughtful gift, and cards from both he and Isaiah ("signed" by Isaiah's handprint, too sweet!). And as if that wasn't enough, we had the opportunity to have Isaiah dedicated at church that Sunday! I can't think of a better way to celebrate God's gift of motherhood than by lifting up His precious gift to us and publicly committing Isaiah into His loving hands. The words of 1 Samuel 1:27-28 washed over my mind and heart all day:

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD."

For me, it was a profoundly beautiful and symbolic moment--and a kind, gentle reminder that ultimately, our sweet Isaiah is in the LORD's hands. As his mother, I may think I am in control of his life; but truthfully, he has been entrusted to me as a gift--a most amazing gift!

This week also brought with it another reminder of my role as steward and not possessor of my children. Throughout this pregnancy, I have gained less weight and been generally smaller than I was with Isaiah. This has garnered a lot of comments regarding my size--something that initially felt like a compliment, but over time, hearing "you're too small!" can start to get to you. You can imagine my panic then at my weekly appointment on Monday, when I did in fact measure smaller than I should for this point in the pregnancy . . . which prompted my doctor to order a growth and fluid check ultrasound immediately. She assured me that it was probably nothing at all--often when the baby drops, you'll measure a little smaller--but just to be on the safe side, we needed to make sure baby girl was doing alright.

Leaving the doctor, I felt that heavy, nauseating pit rattling around in the bottom of my stomach. My mind flooded with so many questions, concerns, "what if's" . . . ohh those weighty "what if's," that have the power to consume and swallow us up whole! The enemy was certainly having a field day in my mind, capitalizing on many of my already-held fears.

That 24-hour period between my appointment and follow-up ultrasound was quite a faith test for me--I had to come face to face with what I really and truly believe about God at my very core. If the news was bad, how would I respond? How would I feel? Would I be able to say, even with a grieving heart, that I believe God is good in all circumstances? Even when the news is bad? 

I would love to be able to tell you that right away I cried "YES" and felt zero fear . . . but I did in fact feel fear! For me, it was such a reminder and wake-up call to remember that these babies are in God's hands. They belong to Him. He has purposes for their lives--and that purpose is not to make me, as their mother, happy! I realize this is very basic spiritual truth--but the love you feel for your children is so huge and so overwhelming and so consuming, it's easy to forget this truth. I find myself wanting to close up my fists tightly around them and like a toddler, cry "mine!" 

I have found that being a parent brings you into a whole new realm of faith and trust in Christ. Surrendering yourself is a piece of cake compared to surrendering your children...your flesh and blood. I have to say, the story of Abraham and Isaac takes on incredible new meaning on this side of parenthood; and Abraham knew the agony of waiting, praying and waiting some more for a son! Is it any wonder that his faith was credited to him as righteousness?! The same is true, of course, of our Heavenly Father, who graciously gave us His own son. If you've ever had any doubts as to His love for us, this act of sacrifice should clear that right up!

Amazing love, O what sacrifice

The Son of God, given for me.

My debt He paid and my death He died,

That I might live!

I am humbled and deeply grateful that this time, the news for us was good. Baby girl looked wonderful and healthy on ultrasound--she's just going to be a tiny peanut, exactly like her brother! Who, I might add, has had no trouble whatsoever plumping up over the past year :-). I am of course beyond thankful for good news, but even more than that, I am thankful for this gentle reminder that our son and daughter belong to the LORD. Their lives are ultimately in His hands. As parents, it's the job of Aaron and myself to teach, train, shepherd and love, love, love their little hearts and minds straight into the arms of their Heavenly Father. Just as my hope for myself is to find God's "Plan A" will for my life, so I desire that they too will discover and fulfill God's ultimate and best in their lives!

Ohh, parenthood--what a ride! I'm realizing I better take a deep breath and hold on tight, as we're just getting started with this journey. 

I hope that each of you had a blessed Mother's Day and that this post will somehow encourage you today!

Blessings,

~Mere