Elijah got far worse before he got better. He refused to nurse, only taking his sippie cup. Then he would vomit up much of that. He would not be consoled, preferring instead to constantly whimper, occasionally bursting into cries. He would cough and sneeze, shooting snot and phlegm all over his face. Then trying to clean him up would only produce more wailing. His eyes were puffy and red; dark circles surrounded them. The only word to describe his state was “pitiful.” Yes, all who saw him were moved to pity for this little, helpless, unenviable baby.
But that was yesterday. Today is a different day. Today marks a new beginning. With the help of a lot of love, tenderness, and patience, Elijah is making a recovery and is back to being his jolly, robust self. He has endured his first cold and has won!
I can’t help but see this experience as a metaphor for God’s saving actions in the world. We wonder why anyone would love us, seemingly so unlovable. We look nasty; we act cruelly; we have few if any redeeming qualities. And yet When God looks at us, he is moved to pity for His children. He can’t help but love us despite our flaws and inadequacies. He can’t help but save us despite our helpless state. And though there is a sinful virus out there that inflicts hurt upon us, making us less than we really are, God is there helping us through it and bringing us out of it stronger, more grateful people.
Perhaps the metaphor is cheesy and a bit stretched, but that is what I have dealt with all weekend.
1 comment:
I hate it when my children are sick. It is the worst feeling in the world. But I do love how God constantly teaches us through our children.
Also, I've really enjoyed your posts the last few weeks. I just don't comment because I really have nothing to say.
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