Mindfulness: Holding God and Your Newborn in MindПримерок

Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you see or hear the word “mindfulness” is a monk sitting on a mountain, a master of his fleshly desires living a humble and minimalist lifestyle. This image of a monk is perhaps what draws people worldwide to the concept of mindfulness. But, is it truly possible to practice mindfulness or be mindful of others without Jesus, the One who fills all things in every way(Ephesians 1:23)?  Anytime we seek to do good without Jesus, we will worship ourselves or the good we do. The Bible shows us the authentic way to practice mindfulness for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 

The act or art of mastering the flesh, meditation, being rooted, humble and content, and being present is everything the Bible teaches us to do. No other form of mindfulness will satisfy. 

Holding God in mind means entering God's thoughts or living conscious of God's Word concerning you. And keeping God in mind empowers you to parent in ways that meet your infant's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. 

Holding God in mind begins with the understanding that God loves you, and he is mindful of you. We are empowered to love God when we understand his love for us (1 John 4:19)

God is Mindful of You

Psalm 8:4 (NIV) says, “what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

When we are mindful of someone, we care about the things that bring joy to their heart, and we anticipate their needs.

God cares about everything concerning you. He knows the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30). God is mindful of every detail of your life, and he wants you to be mindful of him as you navigate life. 

God knows there will be moments of weariness and times you may feel burdened as a new parent. So, he was intentional about writing Matthew 11:28-30 for you.  

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When you feel burdened by the expectations or obligations of parenthood, be intentional about seeking God. When you feel tired or weary about night feeding, seek God for rest. When a part of you feels lost as you adjust to parenting your first or fifth child, I pray that you will remember that God has an invitation for you to come to him. I pray that you will remember that God is mindful of you and your little one.