Pregnancy sometimes brings out the worst in women. As I've shared in an earlier article, those cravings actually turn us into selfish, unspiritual beings. Motherhood, on the other hand, unveils the best that resides in each of our hearts -- that of our selfless and compassionate nature.
As a young new wife working among an indigent community, I experienced serving snacks for mothers and children who were our visitors. One time I saw a 5-year-old boy who got his mother's portion and the extra ones on the plate. Instead of scolding him or refusing to give in, the mother willingly gave her son her share plus the extra pieces of cake.
Hmmm... Maybe she needed some tips on discipline. Another thing, though, caught my attention at that moment.... I was just touched by the simple sacrifice of that mother for her child.
Now that I myself am a mother, I can understand better that poor mom's sacrifice. Although I try to restrain my children's appetite by teaching them to be satisfied with their share, there are times that I still give them that last bites of chocolates or chicken nuggets, or last scoops of ice cream, or whatever it is that's really their favorite. Yes, even if it's also mom's favorite.
Isaiah 49:15a goes, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?" We hear of hurting mothers who neglect their children, leaving them to the care of someone else, or much worse, mothers physically abusing their children. Nevertheless, I believe there are more heroic moms who will give up almost everything for their kids.
I know of a friend who has given up her career for her to take care of her children. One mom featured in the Reader's Digest several years ago opted to lose one breast through mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy -- in order for her to save the life of the baby in her womb. The list can go on and on....
How about you? What are you willing to give up for your children?
