Out of Compassion

Is there any weariness greater than that of a mother after giving birth?  Her body is physically worn out from 40ish weeks of cradling and nurturing a life inside, perhaps while caring for other children.  Labor and delivery has taken her body to extremes that would bring humbleness to Shaun White (some of us even pulling muscles in our eyelids, of all places.)  HORMONES-- 'nuff said. Then she nurses that hungry little life who pulls calories and moisture from her being while latching  onto her breast so tightly she feels the chomp-down all the way  to her toes. Oh, the nighttime feedings, not just once, but sometimes 2-3X/night.. sigh... she hears the cry, takes a deep breath, throws back the covers, and stumbles out of bed to care for this needy, helpless little person.    (Let's hear it for husbands and grandmoms!) The morning arrives, and the first thought in her brain is, "I need a nap!"

Why do we do it? The love, of course! These little bundles of demand, I mean joy, are our responsibility, our DNA, our family. This is what we do, and hopefully, there are husbands and others around to offer assistance! The next thing you know, these little ones are grown up and getting married! :)

Although Mark 6:30-44 is familiar to me,  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206:30-44&version=NLT this is the first time I related my experiences as a birth mom to this passage.  Perhaps the comparison is lost on you; perhaps you even find the comparison offensive for which I apologize. But it works for me.  Why did Jesus care for the throngs of people though he was desiring rest? Because he had compassion on the people; he loved the people; he felt responsibility. The disciple were not unlike husbands and grandmothers--the ultimate feeding of the people depended on Jesus, but they were much needed for this event.

Brother Nelson will expound further on this passage during the 10:15am worship service this Sunday in a sermon he is calling, "Discovering Jesus." Some of the children will be sharing the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 which dovetails nicely into the message.   http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205&version=NIV

Please keep praying for the many who are hurting in our congregation and in your own situations.  On the last page of each week's bulletin is a "prayer corner" which lists concerns and praises. 

Congratulations to Korinne and Ian on their engagement!  Whoohoohoo!  :)

I'm enjoying a lovely visit with my parents from Illinois this week. 

My prayer for today: Creator God, in your arms and care we are nourished and loved.  Thank you.  We need not call on you to be with us, for you never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you.  Grant us greater awareness of presence beside us.  Grant us greater understanding of your peace. Grant us greater understanding of your unending love and mercy.  For those who are suffering today, we ask that your presence will shine like comforting light and enveloping warmth. For those who are uncertain and struggling with decisions, grant wisdom.  Let us be bearers of your peace and love in a world that cries out in vengeance and hatred. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name. AMEN.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too. 
Love and Light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference!  Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend. "  jd