I cherish my experiences as a Labor and Delivery nurse for all those years. There is really no greater moment that I can imagine than being present at a birth. We rarely get to see miracles in life but witnessing birth qualifies as a miracle. Regardless of the "route" the infant takes (natural or c-section), the entrance into this world follows a lot of the same processes. ( Trust me on this if your experience is limited.) I have often thought about the story in the Bible where Nicodemus asks Jesus what it means to be "born again". Nic knew that Jesus was not speaking of literally being born again from one's mother's womb but he was trying to draw out the meaning of the words. In my humble opinion, I have found that life gives us opportunities to be "born again" or "born from above". This encompasses a spiritual rebirth, maybe even one where we have to make changes in our lives. Greed, unforgiveness, lack of compassion, anger, addictions, unbelief, or anything else that keeps us from living in the nature and flow of the Spirit. I have witnessed hundreds, probably over a thousand births in my career. If I could interview a newborn right after birth and ask him, "how was it being born?" I seriously doubt he would say "Man, that was great, I would love to do that again!" There is a lot of pressure and pushing and contractions and squeezing that occurs. But after his arrival to this world he is looking around, bundled up and loved on, he can breathe and take in this new life. A good, new life.
I think the same occurs for us when we decide to be "born by the Spirit" or "born again". Changing some bad habits and addictions and getting rid of junk in our lives can require some discomfort. Maybe even some pressure or squeezing, but on the other side of that is a wonderful new life.
This quote kinda sums up what I mean about someone who has been "born again" and maybe even for someone who becomes a mother.
Everything has changed and yet, I am more me than I've ever been. Iain Thomas
...just lovely Marcia, both the painting and words. I try to remind my self that every day is a "birth." A new day awaits with new opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nan...I definitely see that in your work!
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