Pick up the Binky
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
Babies are really good cryers. Along with sleeping, pooping and eating, it’s one of their top skills. And it’s really their only source of communication. But it takes a lot of practice to figure out what they’re needing. So often my bouncing, swaying, rocking in the chair, or giving milk, did not bring my girls comfort.
I was grateful my girls would take a pacifier, most of the time. It didn’t mean it always helped. They still lost their minds regularly.
All they had to do was keep that little piece of plastic in their mouth. This is what a binky was made for! But most of the time that binky was on the floor, out of reach in the playpen, or tossed over the side of the carseat. Really anywhere but their mouth; the one location it belongs in order to provide comfort! (Although my girls found their binkies really helpful tucked under their chins.)
Honestly, my girls’ tears brought on an awful lot of my own tears. There were a lot of times that I really could have used my own binky. As if my husband needed another reason to think I’m a little crazy.
I cried because my chest was sore as I leaked through my shirt. I cried because the incision from my C-section hurt. I cried because I wanted a glass of water and all those dirty dishes were in my way! I cried because my baby was crying.
God wants to comfort our momma hearts, just the way we try so hard to comfort our babies. When we sense His peace in the room, we can take a deep breath. When baby takes a nap, we can sit for a moment to check in with ourselves, and listen for God. When Jesus’ comfort is offered through someone else’s help, we can accept it!
That binky is sure to need picked up another 400 times just today. The next time you lean over, rather than grumble under your breath and feel the frustration, you can ask Jesus to bring you comfort. Or goodness, once you’ve had your grumble, imagine Jesus wrapping you in his arms and swaying to and fro, just like you're sure to find yourself again soon.
Dear Jesus, thank you for comforting me through the tears. Amen.
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