Clearly one of the most highly anticipated days in our lives is the birth of our children. From choosing names to decorating a nursery there comes a heightened sense of excitement as we wait for our bundle of joy to arrive.
At the same time we mothers-in-waiting have a list of personal preparations. Such as reading books on pregnancy and infant care, as well as childbirth classes.
Meanwhile, we are confronted with a long list of anxieties. For instance, will the baby be healthy and normal? Will the delivery be without complications? Am I able to care for an infant?
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3). Our bundle of joy, our reward.
At last the day finally arrives and we are holding our bundle of joy. The mixed emotions of love, elation and enthusiasm are overwhelming. Our mother instinct immediately kicks in and we feel a need to nurture and protect our new infant.
Our bundle of joy was surely worth the nine months of preparation. To begin with our hearts are full of praise and thanks to God for this new gift of life. We realize that we are holding a future in our arms with the natural hope of good things to come.
Furthermore, our bundle of joy brings into this world a new beginning. Like most we have dreams, aspirations, and desires for this one new life. Subsequently, we cherish these thoughts.
Now it so happens that the feelings we possess as mothers is innate, and God-given. So we begin our new journey with much determination, and a new sense of purpose in our lives. We are in this through the long haul, through thick and thin. There’s no turning back.
However, as we hold our bundle of joy in our arms, we cannot foresee the future. In other words, we cannot know and should not know what the future has in store.
For starters our bundle of joy will introduce us to typical parenting challenges. Thus, there will be sleepless nights, childhood illnesses, temper tantrums, difficulties at school, and teenage rebellion to name a few.
Then there are the unanticipated challenges in our lives. Dilemmas which we have no control over. This may be in the form of a chronic illness. Then again we may have a special needs child, or a child with a disability. Our bundle of joy may even leave this earth prematurely.
“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13). Our heavenly Father cares, and He is there for our comfort during these tough times with our children.
In some cases this one child may cause extreme grief and sorrow to our hearts by the poor choices he or she makes. Furthermore, we may find ourselves stretched beyond our human limits.
In addition, our bundle of joy can and may at some point change the course of our lives. Therefore, we may find ourselves in a place we never anticipated because our bundle of joy has free will.
Let’s not forget, God is there. “For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
There will be disappointments, let downs, and poor choices. As the years pass we may never be able to figure out our bundle of joy. When feeling discouraged we may even ask God, “Why did you give me a child like this?” Why not like so and so’s child; things surely would have been easier.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
Needless to say, God certainly knows what is best, and will give us exactly what we need. Besides we would never trade our bundle of joy for a different make or model. Perhaps we shouldn’t try so hard to figure things out and entrust God with all the question marks.
Of course, there will be many times of blessing, joy, and a sense of extreme pride in our offspring. We need those times.
“Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5).
The bottom line is this, our bundle of joy should not be our “bundle of hope.” You see this tiny fragile infant is a sinner just like you and me. But like so many others, we all tend to veer in the direction of misplaced hope. Clearly, this is a heavy burden to lay upon a newborn infant.
You see reality eventually sets in and our hope eventually lines up with God’s plan for humanity. The hope of Jesus Christ in a painfully lost world. He who has saved us from our sins and given us eternal life.
“While we wait for the blessed hope— the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
There was only one infant born on this earth that we can confidently hope in without a shred of doubt. That is our Savior Jesus Christ. In Him all our hope is fulfilled. Moreover, I’m not just talking about our brief stay upon this earth, but the future promise of glory for all those who believe (Romans 8:18).
Although our bundle of joy is not to be our “bundle of hope,” he or she is permanently and lovingly etched into our hearts. The connection is passionate and strong. This is our glimpse, our experience of loving unconditionally.
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:11).
As we experience loving our “bundle of joy” unconditionally, we gain a better understanding of God’s love and care for us. Then again, with our finite minds and limited understanding, we will never totally grasp the depths of God’s love this side of eternity.
It is true that unconditional love involves long-suffering. All mothers are familiar with this. Furthermore, let’s not forget how our heavenly Father has been long-suffering with us. We must also remember that long-suffering is a fruit of the Spirit.
As we come to realize our bundle of joy is not our “bundle of hope,” we desire God’s best (not our best) for them. And just what is God’s best? Simply put, to hope in Christ.
Aida…this was an excellent article and thank you for the apropos scriptures. Yes. We have to trust Him re our children. Godbless. Louann
printing it…to read it regularly
thank you !
xoxo