So the sermon at our church this morning got me thinking about something. It might not have been on Pastor Jay's mind necessarily in his preparations. But as soon as the words were spoken, my mind turned directly to this thought.
The title to his sermon was "No longer walking alone." And the idea was to encourage us to strengthen our faith and not be complacent, the same message that Paul gave to the church at Colosse (Col. 2:6-12). Also, since we have experienced Advent and Christmas and the birth of this baby, we are no longer alone. His words almost exactly were: Because of the baby, we no longer walk alone.
I know the metaphor he was trying to get across and I got it, but through some different imagery.
For all the moms and dads out there with small children. Maybe when you read the words, you got the same imagery as me.
Because of the baby(ies), we are no longer EVER alone.
Can you relate? My mind went off on a tangent at that point. Right, I am never alone. I have a two-year old. She follows me everywhere I go. And if she cannot see me, she is calling my name, mom? momma? mama? MAMA?
I don't go to the bathroom by myself. I do not change laundry loads by myself. I do not put dishes away by myself. I don't shower or get dressed by myself. I do not straighten up a thousand times a day by myself. I don't take the dog out by myself. We do everything together. Snack, chores, errands, meals, playing, work. She is always there.
Essentially, babies and young children were designed that way. They need us. And we need them. I wouldn't dream of leaving my toddler completely alone.
But the presence of a baby or young child can be completely overwhelming. Sure, babies are lovely and precious, even peaceful. But sometimes these little people can leave us feeling frustrated or used or invisible, even.
When I think of having a baby around I can totally get never being alone. Even at times it feels hopeless. Until I think about it turned around. If because of the baby, the Holy One, I am never alone, that means that God (Jesus) is ALWAYS with me. In this way, the 'always with me' does not seem bad at all. He is with me through these mundane tasks of daily living. He is with me on good days and on bad. He is with me as I stand over the mountain of dishes in the sink or the piles of clutter needing attention. He is with me as this little two-year old follows me around.
Because of this, I get a sense of feeling emboldened. I feel a fire set under me to press on even when it seems dauntless or hard. Another point in the sermon was that the more closely we walk with Christ, the deeper our communion with Him will be. Certainly. Jesus can be with me at each step I take, but I have to choose to acknowledge His presence. I have to partner with Him, invite Him in. Take hold of his hand and let Him guide me.
So now, when I am spending so many blessed moments with Lillie Rose, I will think of this. And it will ease my troubles.