It is an interesting thing living in this wide world of mass communication. I have a question about something and I google it or look it up in a book or call my mom or a sister or ask Jeremy. I've got all sorts of resources right at my fingertips for any old question I come up with. How do you make a good beef stew in a crockpot? Betty Crocker knows. What exactly is autism and when does it start manifesting itself in kids (a question we asked ourselves at work this week when talking about one of the kids in our Even Start program)? Google it. Is this or that "normal" in a pregnancy? Ask Tasha or wait to ask the doctor next week when I'm there. The info is endless. What would we do without the internet, dictionaries, doctors, friends, family, books? I just don't know.
Usually when I'm feeling most grateful for an already-at-my-fingertips answer that I needed, I think of what it must have been like to have been Adam or Eve. Goodness. What did they do? How did the know how to build a home? A fire? A bucket? A plough? What an incredible wonderfilling and incredible life it must have been to be the very first. Everything was new. I am going to assume that they got a decent amount of instruction and (hopefully) even advice for some of the basics of survival, but my guess is the Lord left a lot up to them to figure out. And even if He told them a lot, there was just so much to know, that inevitably there were a lot of gaps they had to fill in on their own.
Think about it for a minute.
It's crazy.
I've been thinking about Eve and her first pregnancy a lot lately. She must have been so totally bewildered with what on earth was happening to her. Did she know or understand that there was a little soon-to-be baby inside her? Did she know what a baby even was? (Honestly, she didn't start out as a baby, so how would she?) When her body started doing strange things, did she have any idea why she felt so sick and was so tired? When the kicking started and her belly bulged did she instictively know it was the whole reason she had eaten the forbidden fruit? Did she know it was fulfilling the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth with that slowly growing belly?
I think it must have been one startling revelation after another to her. But I think she knew. Just as Mary, the mother of Jesus, took her experiences and "pondered them in her heart," I have confidence that Eve pondered, and she knew. She understood at a deep and sacred level what it meant to be a woman and a mother. And because of her unique spiritual gifts and insights she must have known, even when there was no other way of knowing, that she was fulfilling the measure of her creation.
I have so much respect for her. What courage to deliver that first child. With no forsight, no clear knowledge of just what labor would entail, no doctor or midwife (just trustworthy and loving Adam), no books no world wide web to explain every ache and pain, no hospital, no clean and sanitary space, she entered pregnancy and motherhood without, I don't think, looking back. After that first born child, how many followed, I wonder? How many times did she midwife for her daughters and granddaughters? For how many did she counsel and advise, encourage and coach as they too became mothers? What insights and truths did she pass down?
While I am extremely grateful for my doctor and books and internet and family, I wonder what it would have been like to have learned from Eve--she who began the chain of the family tree to which we all belong.
Usually when I'm feeling most grateful for an already-at-my-fingertips answer that I needed, I think of what it must have been like to have been Adam or Eve. Goodness. What did they do? How did the know how to build a home? A fire? A bucket? A plough? What an incredible wonderfilling and incredible life it must have been to be the very first. Everything was new. I am going to assume that they got a decent amount of instruction and (hopefully) even advice for some of the basics of survival, but my guess is the Lord left a lot up to them to figure out. And even if He told them a lot, there was just so much to know, that inevitably there were a lot of gaps they had to fill in on their own.
Think about it for a minute.
It's crazy.
I've been thinking about Eve and her first pregnancy a lot lately. She must have been so totally bewildered with what on earth was happening to her. Did she know or understand that there was a little soon-to-be baby inside her? Did she know what a baby even was? (Honestly, she didn't start out as a baby, so how would she?) When her body started doing strange things, did she have any idea why she felt so sick and was so tired? When the kicking started and her belly bulged did she instictively know it was the whole reason she had eaten the forbidden fruit? Did she know it was fulfilling the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth with that slowly growing belly?
I think it must have been one startling revelation after another to her. But I think she knew. Just as Mary, the mother of Jesus, took her experiences and "pondered them in her heart," I have confidence that Eve pondered, and she knew. She understood at a deep and sacred level what it meant to be a woman and a mother. And because of her unique spiritual gifts and insights she must have known, even when there was no other way of knowing, that she was fulfilling the measure of her creation.
I have so much respect for her. What courage to deliver that first child. With no forsight, no clear knowledge of just what labor would entail, no doctor or midwife (just trustworthy and loving Adam), no books no world wide web to explain every ache and pain, no hospital, no clean and sanitary space, she entered pregnancy and motherhood without, I don't think, looking back. After that first born child, how many followed, I wonder? How many times did she midwife for her daughters and granddaughters? For how many did she counsel and advise, encourage and coach as they too became mothers? What insights and truths did she pass down?
While I am extremely grateful for my doctor and books and internet and family, I wonder what it would have been like to have learned from Eve--she who began the chain of the family tree to which we all belong.
8 comments:
Hi Carly...I enjoy your blog..always inspires me or makes me think..which can be hard in these crazy busy times. Thanks!
This past weekend, Mark and I drove to Provo for a Technology Conference. Oddly enough - we had this conversation about Adam and Eve...how long did they have "the voice of God coming eastward from Eden?" Or was that just a way to describe praying? Of was that the "weaning" off from being in his presence to what we know as prayer today. We talked too about, being "taught" about life and the world. We learn "about life" growing up and they didn't have that same advantage. They needed to be taught "you need to take a bath every day" "that animals were now to eat" and on and on. Wow what a learning experience. Just think how much we take for granted the many things we learn just growing up. Adam and Eve, amazing people, amazing parents.
I have one word for you, EPIDURAL. The Lord knew I should come at this time with microwaves, taco bell, and pain medication. My hat's off to Eve; what a woman!
Wow! Carly, you are awesome!! I haven't ever really thought about all that before...I definately agree with you and now I wonder the same...It is amazing to think about how strong of a woman she must have been! That would be neat to learn from her...and I am grateful that we have the technology that we have today...although I'm not expecting at this time, it's still something I am grateful for! It also helps that Daniel is in the medical field so if I can't find the answer I've been lookin' for, I can ask him and he usually can answer it for me!
Thank you for your posts, thoughts, ideas, and especially thank you for you and your friendship!! Ever since I met you I've looked up to you! You are an amazing lady!
Keep Smilin'!! Life's Gr8!!
I love reading your blog and love the things you think about and share with all of us. Oh, how I just love you Carly Jane. Hoepfully we get to talk again soon :)
Every day at work I try to find something new to think about. Trying to keep the grey cells working. Who would've guessed I would find it on your blog! Thanks for the insight. We had a new grandbaby born yesterday and your post just caught me thinking along those lines anyway. Thanks for the thoughtful post!
Amen. The more I continue to learn about our first mother, the more in respect and gratitude I have for her. Her challenges and trials in this life were unique, to be sure, but her example is praiseworthy.
I remember feeling the same way when I was first pregnant (and still do!). I have no idea how women in the past could have done it, it is hard enough to do even now with everything we have.
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