e·piph·a·ny [i-pif-uh-nee] - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.
As my life progresses, I am more amazed. Amazed because with life experience, comes, by God's grace, a more full understanding of my God and His Word. More specifically, I speak of the illustrations that are used throughout Scripture. Intellectually, we are all capable of understanding that we the church are the bride of Christ, waiting His coming. We understand that we are the children of God, and we are sheep needing a shepherd. Experientially, I am only beginning to "taste and see" all He has for me to learn.
Today, as my little one squirmed and screamed in an attempt at freedom, I had another of these moments. I knew Aaron didn't really want what he thought he wanted - specifically, go flying off my lap, off the couch, and onto the concrete floor. As I held him closer and tried to get him to look me in the face, I said, "Aaron, you don't really want to go there. Trust me." As those last two words tumbled out of my mouth, I realized in stunning brilliance another reason I am referred to as a child of God.
My stubborn refusal to trust Him is childlike. I don't see the whole picture. I don't know what lies beyond the lap of His blessing. I think I want something SO badly, and I try with all my might to get there, all the while crying "IIIIEEEE'M SOOOOO MISERABLE!" when really, I am in exactly the right place for me. God loves me infinitely more than I am capable of understanding, and He gives what is best. Where else are all my needs met in such a loving way? Something tells me that I can sit happily and rest in Him, or I can squirm around and make myself miserable.
1 Jn 15:9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love."esv
6 comments:
Emma was just here with me while I checked e-mails and blogs. She wanted to know what your posts said, and so I read her this one. It was really neat to explain it to her and "watch the light turn on." We talked about the "circle of blessing" that we've taught her and how important it is to obey God and be content in His ways for our lives. Thanks for giving us an opportunity to discuss these things again. :-)
P.S.--We watched the video you have on here and thought we heard Aaron say "Emma" at the end. ha ha
I love it when God sheds light on an everyday situation like that! Since becoming a mom, it seems like there's a whole new dimension to my spirituality. The depth and richness of God's Word and grace are so real to me as I cling to it daily! Thanks for sharing your epiphany; here's to many more!
Jenny -
What a sermonette! Who's to say women can't preach?? Motherhood has such a way of drawing out profound insights and turning them into everyday applications. Thanks for a great truth!
Stephanie
Yes, motherhood has many lessons to teach, but we have to be careful - there are not lessons you can ONLY learn by being married, or being a parent - God chooses to teach us things and reveal Himself to us no matter what our life situation is. The lessons might be taught in another way, but I can't believe God only reveals things to "certain groups"...When I was single, I remember people saying "when you're married, you'll understand" or "wait til you're a mom, then you'll get it" all the while contributing to my discontent with my life. (you know, the squirming!!!) God is definitely able to give us all a taste of and a look into His Word no matter what our circumstances! (and I know that none of you meant to say He can't or doesn't) Isn't it great that we serve a limitless, all powerful God?!?
Yes, yes, yes...true ALicia & Stephanie & Jen!!! But you have to admit, Jen, that motherhood has maybe brought the picture of one's relationship with God in a new light...since you probably never before experienced the depth of love you have for Aaron...maybe just a new dimension like a turn of a diamond?
Blessed to read your post today! I could do a weekly post about how Olivia and AJ are reminders to me of spiritual truths. I see your point about being careful not to think that these lessons are for moms only, but the lessons I learned as a single seem to find their way back into my life in full color after becoming a mom. So many things I didn't know that I didn't know. When I was single, I could look at a baby struggling to get off of mommy's lap and think "what an illustration of God's place of blessing for me". However, as the mom sitting there looking at my baby, personally feeling the love that swells up in my heart for my child and absolutely being committed to not letting him fly off my lap no matter how much he struggles to be released-- suddenly the lesson goes to a deeper level.
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