Pregnancy often brings with it new emotions, new thoughts, and new aches and pains. It is just a fact of life, literally. Bringing a new life into this world does not come without changes and sometimes those changes are somewhat painful.
One of my favorite “remedies” for these aches and pains is a nice warm bath, complete with candles and soothing music. Indulgent? Maybe. Medicinal? Definitely!
But beyond that, this is the time of day when the house is quiet and I can start to quiet my own soul. This is when I can take the time to marvel at the new life the Lord has blessed us with. This is where I can cry out the Lord when I am missing my dear, sweet Emmy. This is where I can talk to God without interruption. As I take time to slow down, the aches and pains begin to subside and the calm I need in order to fall into a sound sleep overtakes me.
But, what about our children’s baths? Is bath time in your house a time to marvel at all your little blessings? Is it a time to help them relax? Is it a time when you can talk to them about the Lord and all He has done for them that day? If it is anything like bath time in our home, probably not.
Bath time for us is often a rushed orchestration of Dunk ‘Em, Dry ‘Em, Diaper ‘Em, Dress ‘Em. Certainly, there are times when it isn’t quite that quick and I sit and giggle and chit-chat with them, but even those times are not purposeful. I am not purposefully trying to help them relax, nor am I purposefully using this time when I have them completely confined to four porcelain walls to truly minister to their little minds as I wash their little bodies.
I do have a verse posted by the bathtub that reminds me not to begrudge bath time…
John 13:14-15
If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.
But, lately I feel that simply not despising something is not enough. Sure, it’s a start, but it’s not a finish. Just as I wash away the cares of my day, I must wash away theirs. Not only am I preparing their little bodies for bed, but their hearts and minds as well.
Michael Paine says
I know that you don’t know me. But I found you through a friend of mine’s blog. Your blog title was catchy I like it so, I clicked on it to read your blog…Remembering Emily. Wow…I just want you to know I don’t even know your name but I prayed for you specifically this weekend because I knew it would be most difficult for you and your family. How my heart aches to hear stories like yours where you have lost a precious baby. As an encouragment I ran across a great Psalms that I hope will help you and encourage you a bit, if you get a moment read Psalms 6. I pray that it would help your heart heal…God holds your heart and counts your tears. I pray that He would continue to be all sufficient for your needs. May God continue to bless other’s lives through your lifesong.In Christ,Michael Paine
Stephanie says
Your post brought about some tender memories for me. My children are not the age anymore where I can bathe them, and I so miss that. This is one area in my life that I did slow down for. My mother and Grandmother taught me early on how to bathe them so that they would rest well. After that came the lotion and the dressing for bed. I remember some of the best conversations I have had with them was during bath time, as I refused to leave them alone in the tub until they were close to 4 or 5. Thank you for bringing about those memories. They made me smile. Hope you are getting some rest. Praying for you guys.
MamaJ says
Wow, that was actually a very timely message for me! I have been loathing bathtime for a while now. The kids wouldn’t stop splashing, and I was hurrying along the 5 yo to start taking showers… Thanks for posting such a good reminder.
Mrs. Klause says
Dearest Sister,I just wanted to thank you for sharing “Washing Away the Cares of the Day”. This is an entirely new thought for me. I have three wee ones six and under at home and your message was convicting and encouraging. It is so easy for bathtime to become a rush just as you described. May God comfort you and bless you greatly.Most sincerely,Mrs. Klausehttp://www.clothedwithscarlet.typepad.com
pearlsanddiamonds says
Thanks for stopping by our blog and leaving us a comment! I’ve been thinking about you guys lately…Lauren and Nathaniel are in your area this week–and hoping to get in touch with you! Hope you all are well! Abigail
Andrea says
What a lovely post! So often we dunk ’em and slap ’em into bed without getting them relaxed or enjoying them as we should. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy the time so that it can be enjoyhed by them as well!Just found your blog. So touched by the tough loss you have had to endure. I cannot even begin to understand. But, I know that God is good and am thankful that He is caring for you and your family.I’m new to homeschooling and was looking for info on schooling year-round when your blog came up. I’ll be back to read more and see how you manage with 5 and a newborn! Blessings to you!Andrea
Jacque Dixon says
Thanks for this. What a blessing you have shared -for moms and our children.Still praying for you, dear. Have a peaceful rest of the week… in spirit, anyway. 🙂HUGS!
ScribblinScribe says
Hi Amy…I was tagged in a meme…never been tagged before, so I’m passing on the torch (if you get around to it.) Tag, you’re it.Abigail
ali @ an ordinary mom says
This is so good! I needed this reminder to be more purposeful, with eternal souls in mind, in those rushed moments of something as mundane as trying to get the 4 youngest through the bath assembly line! (the 3 oldest shower independently)
.-= ali @ an ordinary mom´s last blog ..Lifestyle Learning- Kodiaks and Komodos =-.