Have you ever noticed how radiant a woman is when she's pregnant? Her eyes sparkle, her nails grow long and strong, and her hair is thicker and shines more. Everything about her speaks of beautiful simplicity, elegance, and joy.
Many stories in the Bible reflect the wisdom of women and their hard labors of love. I think of Ester who saved a nation at the risk of her life. I consider Ruth who being a widow chose to remain with her mother-in-law and care for her. Even the Lord Jesus was born to Mary a virgin, “Blessed are you among women" (Luke 1:42).
There are also stories of mothers who brought harm and discord. These stories greatly contrast with the respect and honor of a woman of "Noble Character" (Proverbs 31:10). The birth of a child can make you ponder your future of diapers, bottles, and late night awakenings, but it is also an excellent time to reflect on the days of your youth and to look for areas that could be of concern, maybe even some regret. Sometimes children are brought into this world in an effort of the mother to save a broken marriage or to fill a void in her life. The baby is looked upon for the things it will give to the mother instead of what should be the mother's gift to the child. Things like love, connection, value, and a purpose. It's when the love is demanded, the hugs insisted, and the mother's value is determined by the child that things start to unravel.
Amazingly though, if the mother focuses on all she gives the child she will receive everything that she wanted naturally in return. If she loves the child, the child will love her back. If she hugs the child, the child will hug her back. The gift she gives returns 100 times to her. The love of a mother is timeless and the connection between mother and child is simply beautiful.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:28-29 (ESV)
Day 39: Beauty