I remember thinking these words when my daughter was a newborn. I was so sleep deprived for the first four months of her life. She never slept through the night until she was a year old. It was rough. I’d never been wakened by anyone in the middle of the night before she was born. And I’d certainly never been wakened every two hours.
She probably got her constant hunger from me. I need to eat every three hours or so. I’m borderline hypoglycemic, so I keep protein bars on me. But when I had my daughter, I had no idea the extent to which I’d have put to her needs above mine.
I vividly remember finally sitting down for lunch a few days after we came home from the hospital. As I raised my first forkful of turkey to my mouth, she started to cry. I sat there, mouth hanging open, fork suspended, for a few seconds. I realized then my world had changed forever. My needs came second. She didn’t know how important eating regularly was to me. She only knew she was hungry.
In that moment I realized she wasn’t the only selfish person in the room, though. I’d always used my need to eat regularly to my advantage. My family and close friends knew they’d better not let me get too hungry, or the wolf version of me would surface. But my baby didn’t know that.
So I put my fork down, fed her, then returned to cold food. Moms grow accustomed to eating room temperature food and lukewarm drinks. Am I right, ladies?
We never really got used to each other until she was about four months old. By then I’d grown less selfish. Not to say I can’t be selfish now. I’d be a liar and a hypocrite if I said I’m totally selfless.
Our hearts are laid bare when we’re called upon to sacrifice our needs for another’s, especially in a crisis. Babies aren’t the only people who become dependent on others. When loved ones get sick or hurt, the people who are most willing to extend themselves demonstrate their willingness to show love even when it’s inconvenient. Far too many of us beg off helping people when it’s difficult.
It’s rarely convenient to help someone else, even if it’s a very small thing. Hearing “Can you get me a glass of water?” just as I sit down to eat frustrates me. Finally getting the long-awaited text at 9:30 p.m., “The game’s over. I’m ready,” when I’m barely keeping my eyes open after a long day drives me nuts. Or the “I need my allergy shots,” reminder just as I’m finishing up my column on Thursdays. (That’s a common one in the Lindsay household.)
Learning to put the needs of others ahead of your own takes practice and a servant’s heart. God will help you develop a servant’s heart if you ask Him to. After all, Jesus washed the disciples’ smelly, dirty feet before the Last Supper. I don’t even like washing my own feet when they’re filthy and stinky. But our Lord did this. Following His example isn’t easy, but it’s love in action. Just something to think about.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!