As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you. – Isaiah 66:13
If there´s one thing I´ve learned these past two months of pandemic, it’s that it is virtually impossible to make a mask look good. Unless, of course, you are my beautiful bride.
She’d most likely disagree with me on this. As a matter of fact, she hasn’t put a single mask on herself these past two months. In order to keep baby and momma safe from COVID, I’ve been the only one going out for basic necessities. But, of all the masks I’ve seen these past two months (and there have been some creative ones), by far the most beautiful one I’ve seen is the hot, uncomfortable, 39 ½ week-pregnant one at my house.
You see, my wonderful wife is herself THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MASK. Here’s what I mean:
Martin Luther liked to use the image of a mask to talk about how God is at work in this world. God does His work “hiding behind” the ordinary social functions and stations of life. God gives us our daily bread, for example, not by raining it down from heaven, but through the work of farmers, grocers, and Uber drivers. Each of these vocations are masks that God wears to graciously provide for His people. In the same way, doctors, nurses, and other medical care professionals are the masks God wears to heal us. Police officers, soldiers, and lawmakers are masks God wears to keep us from all harm and danger.
Mommies are the mask God wears as He brings forth new life into the world. Hiding behind my wife’s pregnant body, God is at graciously at work to prepare, preserve and protect His miraculous gift of life. When I see her waddle around with her watermelon, I see God at work knitting our baby boy together in her womb. (Psalm 139:13) It is not always enjoyable. Her ankles are getting pretty swollen. She can’t sleep on her back. Yet she does not complain. She gladly sacrifices her body and her comfort for our family, and it is the most breathtaking, beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
Mommies are the mask God wears as He nurtures and cares for His little ones. Hiding behind my wife, God is graciously at work to feed and nourish new life, like no one else can! There’s a popular phrase in many Spanish-speaking countries that’s used to honor moms on their special day: madre solo hay una. The gist is, “you only have one mom!”. There really is no one else like her. There’s no one else who can actually feed you from her own body. There’s no one like mommy to make an owie feel better, to comfort you when your sad, or pick up the pieces when you make a huge mess.
When the baby cries in the middle of the night or our six-year old skids her knee in the front yard, I would love nothing more than to help. But I can’t. The kids don’t want me. They only want mommy! Without fail, and without complaining, my self-less, strong, devoted wife, lovingly cares for our children.
I’ve seen a lot of masks the past two months, but the one that God wears to care for my children, is by far the most beautiful one.
It’s no wonder God uses motherhood to teach us about Himself:
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you. –Isaiah 66:13
Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. – Isaiah 49:15
Happy Mother’s Day!
