Moses and Mommyhood

As I write this blog, I am sitting on my couch and relaxing after a wonderful Mother's Day. I woke up to yummy breakfast, a bracelet, and cards from my sweet husband and two beautiful daughters. Then I went to church and followed that with the best brunch ever...celebrating with my awesome mom and dad. I am now simply enjoying the solitude (Patrick is at the grocery store for me because it would just be wrong to have to go on Mother's Day) and reflecting on the joys of motherhood.


This past week, Lily and I were talking and reading about Moses. We were standing over the "river" (our bathtub), with our homemade baby basket, acting out the scene. Lily was Miriam, Hello Kitty played Moses, and I was Jochebed (the mom). I started to read the scripture to her, and all of the sudden, I was literally so overcome with emotion that I had to stop. I have probably heard and read the story of Moses a hundred times, but there was something about reading it there with my sweet daughter and looking at it through the eyes of a mom that moved me in a way it never has before. I kept thinking about Moses' mommy. I don't think there is a bond more instant and intense on this Earth than when a mom embraces her baby for the first time. And here was this baby she loved more than she probably ever imagined she could, and his little life was in mortal danger. She knew she had to act to save him. Her faith in the Lord to care for her precious child is amazing. She put that baby in a basket...in the river. I don't know about you, but the thought of that gives me a slight heart attack. And then she had to sit and listen to him cry...all the while trusting in the Lord to care for him. I've never had to put my children in any situation that even comes close to that, but how often do I fail to completely trust God with their lives!


The most touching part of the story is what happens next. Pharaoh's daughter hears the cries of this baby and "draws him out of the water"-(hence, "Moses"). I think if the story ended there...with Moses being saved by the very family that wanted him dead...then we would have reason enough to be amazed by the sovereignty of God. I mean, a Hebrew baby growing up in an Egyptian palace...and then eventually leading God's people out of their captivity. Wow. But God demonstrated his loving-kindness and graciousness yet again. Pharaoh's daughter needed someone to nurse and care for the baby. And who does she get? Moses' mommy. I know you all know the story, so I'm sorry for the recap. But I just love it!! Exodus 2:9 says "And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages." So Jochebed completely trusted God to save her son and He did! But He went a step further and basically gave her baby back to her for a time. How tenderly and completely our Father loves us! I sat in the bathroom trying to explain this to Lily...barely able to stop crying to get my words out. He knew that mommy's heart. And He granted her the desire of her heart. Her baby lived, and she had the privilege of caring for him. God used Moses in mighty ways, but before Moses followed God, his mom did.


By the way, did you catch that she was PAID for this?? You almost have to laugh at that. Only God!! I love it!! If I got paid to nurse my babies, I would be one rich woman.


This Mother's Day, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God for choosing me to be Lily and Evie's mom. When I think about the story of Moses, I am reminded of the goodness of our Father and how He loves us. He could've chosen any way He wanted to populate the Earth, but He chose the unique way of a mom and dad. He is the one who created motherhood. He is the one who gives us the love we have for our children. And I am so very thankful for it. I am thankful to be a chosen child of God. I am thankful that He chose me to bring two little lives into the world-two lives that I pray will love Him and trust Him completely. I am thankful that He gave me a perfect partner to share my life and raise our children. And last but not least, I am thankful for my own mom. I don't know where I would be without her love, guidance, prayers, support, and sacrifice. I am thankful for the first glimpse as a child of what God's unfailing love for me looks like through the unconditional love of my mom. Happy Mother's Day!!