A Nighttime Encounter
Charlie is the best baby, and I don't say that simply because he's mine. He is rarely fussy; I can take him anywhere; he has a wonderful personality; he is an excellent sleeper. The list of positive things I can say about him doesn't end there. So, when he woke up two nights ago screaming at the top of his lungs, I can honestly say that I was completely taken by surprise.
It was a few minutes before he should have woken up for his last bottle of the day, around 10:30 p.m., when the screaming started. JT made him a bottle, and we tried to feed him. The crying only got louder. I checked to see if anything on him like his diaper or his pajamas were pinching him in any way. Nope, all good there. We gave him some gas relief drops just in case his tummy hurt. Those didn't work. After about 40 minutes more of screaming and crying, we gave him a dose of children's Tylenol. No good. Back to the drawing board. JT tried his favorite musical play mat, but there was no calming this little guy down.
Neither one of us wanted to be "those people" but after an hour of ear-bursting screams, JT gave in and called the doctor around midnight. While he was on the phone talking to the nurse, I carried Charlie into my dark, quiet sitting room and began to rock him in my arms. Still the crying continued. These were not the cries I am accustomed to. I know his hungry, sleepy, and "Mommy, I need you" cries. These were different. It broke my heart because it sounded like he was scared and in quite a bit of pain, and nothing that I was doing to put him at ease seemed to work. That's when I started to cry. I felt so helpless not being able to calm my own child.
Then, I heard it. A still, small voice whispered to my heart, "Why haven't you asked me for help?"
In that moment, I felt so convicted. I had used every resource at my disposal to soothe my precious baby except the one who could help the most - God. He loves Charlie more than I do, more than I can, and I didn't think to call on His name. Until He reminded me, that is. It was a "duh" moment for sure.
Immediately, I began to pray. I placed my hand on Charlie's head and prayed for God, the ultimate Healer and Comforter, to heal whatever ailed my baby and to comfort him and quiet his little soul. The instant I did this - surrendered Charlie to God's care - he stopped crying, and he fell asleep in my arms. My heavenly father heard my prayer and soothed my baby boy. He instantly brought peace and quiet to a household in distress.
It was a few minutes before he should have woken up for his last bottle of the day, around 10:30 p.m., when the screaming started. JT made him a bottle, and we tried to feed him. The crying only got louder. I checked to see if anything on him like his diaper or his pajamas were pinching him in any way. Nope, all good there. We gave him some gas relief drops just in case his tummy hurt. Those didn't work. After about 40 minutes more of screaming and crying, we gave him a dose of children's Tylenol. No good. Back to the drawing board. JT tried his favorite musical play mat, but there was no calming this little guy down.
Neither one of us wanted to be "those people" but after an hour of ear-bursting screams, JT gave in and called the doctor around midnight. While he was on the phone talking to the nurse, I carried Charlie into my dark, quiet sitting room and began to rock him in my arms. Still the crying continued. These were not the cries I am accustomed to. I know his hungry, sleepy, and "Mommy, I need you" cries. These were different. It broke my heart because it sounded like he was scared and in quite a bit of pain, and nothing that I was doing to put him at ease seemed to work. That's when I started to cry. I felt so helpless not being able to calm my own child.
Then, I heard it. A still, small voice whispered to my heart, "Why haven't you asked me for help?"
In that moment, I felt so convicted. I had used every resource at my disposal to soothe my precious baby except the one who could help the most - God. He loves Charlie more than I do, more than I can, and I didn't think to call on His name. Until He reminded me, that is. It was a "duh" moment for sure.
Immediately, I began to pray. I placed my hand on Charlie's head and prayed for God, the ultimate Healer and Comforter, to heal whatever ailed my baby and to comfort him and quiet his little soul. The instant I did this - surrendered Charlie to God's care - he stopped crying, and he fell asleep in my arms. My heavenly father heard my prayer and soothed my baby boy. He instantly brought peace and quiet to a household in distress.
God has used motherhood as a vehicle for teaching me more about Himself and for maturing me in my Christian walk. And what a lesson He taught me that night! I have no idea if Charlie was suffering from an upset stomach, ear ache, or nightmare. Whatever it was, I wasn't helping; and I found myself in a situation where I was truly powerless. The Holy Spirit gently reminded me that although I could not do this in my own strength, I had access to someone with the power to calm terrible storms and raging seas. When I called on His name, He came to our rescue. I know it was God because I felt His presence and because Charlie and I personally experienced His perfect peace (for which I am incredibly grateful).Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.
I feel so foolish for calling on God as a last resort instead of treating Him as a first responder. Fortunately, He forgives my shortcomings and remains faithful in my moments of forgetfulness. I am so grateful to have before me the perfect example of parenthood - God: the source of all patience, steadfast love, forgiveness, comfort, discipline, and wisdom.
Psalms 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
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