I will not forget you

I feel like I only post when things have been really difficult. It seems like those difficult moments are the times that bring the most clarity to my life. Those are the moments in which I learn the greatest lessons and make the largest strides in my journey. We persevere through trials and the work that is done in us produces maturity (James 1:2-4).

Being a new mom is challenging. Anyone that has been a new parent knows this; anyone who has not has surely heard this to be true. As I sat quietly with the Lord, listening to what He has likely been trying to tell me for a while now, I realized that He doesn't want me to do everything just right in taking care of Gideon. God is not interested in my perfection. He is interested in my affection.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15) Even in my most desperate moments of frustration, I quickly remember how much I love my sweet baby. I could never forget Gideon or run out of compassion for him. And although there are earthly mothers who can do this (which is hard for me to even imagine), God promises that He will never forget us!

My compassion, my love for Gideon, is all that I need to be a good mother to him. It is my affection that he needs, not my perfection. As I lay down my life for my son, I am fulfilling the calling to which I have been chosen: Gideon's mother. And I am reminded that God's love, His unfailing compassion, is always there to be my saving grace. It will never run out. My love for Gideon is but a shadow of the perfect love that God has for me.