In my early 20s I got really into the BBC Docuseries “Planet Earth”….like nerdified, stay home alone on Saturday nights by myself to watch… into it. I was mesmerized by the cinematography and the incredible views of the most magnificent places in the world. I’d have sermons in my head about all the spiritual lessons I learned; the evidence of a divine creator, the love of a generous Father and how everything ties together.
I was sharing my epiphanies with my mom one day. She patiently listened then gave me her insights. My mother - my simple - humble mother explained that when she watched these kinds of nature films, she was always struck that mothers - no matter the creature - did whatever necessary to save their kids.
I pondered on this: I was nowhere close to becoming a mom so the concept was a little foreign to me. Then I recalled my beloved “Planet Earth”:
-After hibernating for five months and going without food, a mama polar bear awakens and uses the last of her fat reserves to feed her two cubs. Her only source of food is miles away. Malnourished and exhausted, she takes those babies on a perilous journey over ice to find provisions.
-In the Serengeti, a herd of female elephants encircles their young. They are the only protection standing between the young elephants and a pride of 30 ravenous lions.
-On a treacherously steep slope in the Himalayas, a snow leopard struggles to haul her large kill up the icy cliff. This is a dangerous act, but she is desperate to bring her one-year old cub the food he needs to survive this harsh environment.
-Across the way a Chinese panda bear spends three solid weeks underground not leaving her newborn’s side. She struggles for the following weeks to produce enough milk, as her sub-nutritious diet of bamboo does not provide much sustenance for her AND her cub. Still, she tenderly cares for her cub for months, even to her detriment.
Indeed --- mothers of every kind will do whatever is necessary --- to nourish, nurture, provide and protect their children.
To the moms out there doing your damndest and following your divinely instinctual gifts --- you’re in good company.
You’re doing a good job.
And you are doing God’s work.
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