Today I’m sharing an excerpt from my eBook EXPECTANT: 40 Devotions for New and Expectant Moms. EXPECTANT helps a mommy-to-be or a new mom grow her own life while growing a baby. Like this excerpt from the chapter about “Strengthening Your Heart,” transparent stories and biblical truth give new mamas a generous helping of hope and wisdom for the transition into motherhood.
What girl doesn’t love a long hot bubble bath? It’s right up there with a pedicure, a latte, and reading on the beach. Read a magazine and drink a latte, while getting a pedicure at the beach, and you’ve hit gold! A girl has to know where to re-charge on those days when work is long and the pay doesn’t come close to our value. So how will you cope when every day is long and the pay can never match your value? Every mommy has to answer that question. Should I just drain the bath tub now and kiss long baths goodbye? Yes.
Even Jesus modeled a pattern of getting away to a quiet place when He had been doing the work of giving to others without a break. His getaways did not include foot care, coffee, bubbles, magazines or chocolate, but He went away to be refreshed. A worn out mommy doesn’t have much to give, so she has to find ways to refresh her body and her spirit. Children need to learn early that Mommy needs time to rest and be with Jesus, so she can be the best mommy she can be. And that’s when you drain the bath tub.
Mothering requires putting the needs of others before your own, setting aside your own desires to meet theirs, and taking on the role of a servant. A servant chooses to care for someone else, unlike a slave who is forced. Servants offer service willingly, but that means giving up something to make the offering. Jesus modeled a pattern of serving. He “made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant . . . ” (Phil 2:7). It takes humility and obedience to give your life for another. It took daily follow through of the decision He had made. He served us so we could live.
Out of love, a mother humbles herself and chooses to serve. No longer does she insist that indulgences in her day are necessities; they are offered up in order to serve. No longer does she require that her wants have to be paid for and fulfilled; she puts her own pleasures after the pleasure of others. No longer does she do the diva dance of getting her way; she yields it to make her child’s needs greater than her own. It takes humility and obedience in daily follow through of her decision to have a child.
But don’t put away your bubbles and your back scrubber just yet. Those long bubble baths may be less frequent and shorter for a while, but they still need to happen. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for your child is allow yourself to rest.
Remember that the greatest Servant went away to rest. His people waited, and your little one can too. Share your need with your husband, get a babysitter, find a mother’s helper, ask a mentor, swap with a friend — make time for peace a priority. A peaceful mother is a better mother.
And when you steal away into the tub, take a latte and a magazine and some chocolate for while you’re soaking. A mom has to make the most of her opportunities, and you’re going to be awesome at it!
Each devotion in EXPECTANT also includes Words to grow your heart and Thoughts to treasure in your heart or share with a friend. Read more about how to get your copy of the eBook EXPECTANT here.
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