Oh, my beating heart!

The other day, Sam was playing with Hannah in the family room. I snatched the opportunity to jump in the shower. I had just finished and was combing my hair...smiling at the playful coo's from a father and his daughter enjoying each other's company below. Just then the giggles stopped with an abrupt THUD. I heard my husband's intonations of concern, nearly drowned out by my daughter's painful cries. Time seemed to halt as I moved. "What? Sam! What HAPPENED?!" I yelled as I quickly left behind the bedroom, the hallway, the stairs. My mind filled with horrid visions of blood and injury. I was at my baby's side in an instant, though it felt much too long. As my arms scooped her from her father's embrace, my eyes and hands examined her tiny body. No blood. No injury. She had merely toppled over while sitting, thudding that pretty little head against the metal leg of her swing. There wasn't even a bump or a red spot. Her crocodile tears were soon dried up in my arms, as Papa distracted her from her shock with his bright smile. She was cooing again within seconds. It was only then that I noticed my pounding heart. It was only in the moment of relief that I realized the adrenaline coursing through my body and mind. I held her very close and smooshed her cheek to mine, thanking God for her safety.

Wow. What powerful emotions awakened in me at the thought of my little daughter getting hurt. Protectiveness. Fear. And that strange selflessness that wishes desperately to take the pain upon myself in order to relieve her. These emotions are a result of us being made in the image of God. After all, is He protective of us? Fiercely so. I don't think God feels fear, but He was so unwilling to lose us that He made the ultimate sacrifice. And He DID take our pain upon Himself for our relief. It's amazing how being a parent can so enhance our view and understanding of God and why He does what He does.