Unfathomable Love

My husband, John and I left our Florida vacation home earlier than usual to help our children . We really wanted to stay a couple of weeks longer but love our children deeply and are very devoted to them. Our daughter in law’s sister was getting married in SC . They needed help with the children during wedding rehearsal, wedding party meals and the wedding itself. We booked a condominium directly across the hall from our children in order to be uber accessible. Upon arrival, we found this particular unit very old fashioned, not well kept and clearly lacking tender loving care for many years. There was one bathroom which was fine for us but we soon discovered that the sink, toilet and cabinets were a height appropriate for a three year old! It was so strange, very difficult to use the facilities and mind baffling. There was nothing said about this on their Air B n B advertisement. So, with a bit of time, we realized it would be better to wash up and brush our teeth at the kitchen sink which was of normal height.

The bedroom was spacious but the mattress literally sank when we got into it. Our initial thought was concern as we sleep on a very firm mattress to keep our backs in alignment. But we determined right then and there not to complain. We were grateful we made it there; we were healthy and most of all able to bless our children. 

After waking up the next morning, my husband spoke to the Lord as he dressed. He said in his heart “Well, Lord.. the things we do for our children..” unexpectedly he heard the Lord reply, “I know, I sent my son to a manger! “

It was such a simple response but so profound. It made us even more grateful for a Father in Heaven who spared not his own Son but freely gave him up for us all. 

As parents, we’d totally do that weekend all over again for the joy of being with our children and grandchildren who we love so deeply. But what our Lord did for us “the joy set before him” reveals an unfathomable love beyond our human understanding .

Hebrews 12:2

For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Luke 2:7

Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger

1 John 3:1

See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children ​— ​and we are!