As a man, I am in no position to comment on "mother instinct". I am not endowed to carry a fetus inside my body, experience its growth and the concomitant hormonal changes, bodily changes and emotional fluctuations. Therefore, readers can ignore the following reflections.
Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah was barren and Peninnah bore children to Elkanah. Elkanah loved Hannah. Every year, they went to Shiloh to offer sacrifice to the Lord and Elkanah gave portions to the family members.
and, although he loved Hannah, he would give Hannah only one portion, because the LORD had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:5).
What was worse, Peninnah would take the occasion to provoke Hannah sorely every year. Of course Hannah was sad. Elkanah tried to console her.
And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"(1 Samuel 1:8)
Of course not! To a woman, a husband is not a son. He is only the son of another woman, not her own son. Elkanah thought too highly of himself. A husband can satisfy his wife in all ways, but he can never satisfy her mother instinct without the help of God.
Thanks to Erminia, my wife. She has been very generous in giving birth to four children for me, two before the eruption of my diabetes and two after. The latter two restore my confidence in life. The four of them strengthen me and have given me the drive to hang on, to strike the best out of my life. All four give their mother headaches and great satisfactions and cheer her up when I have been too burdensome for her.
and, although he loved Hannah, he would give Hannah only one portion, because the LORD had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:5).
What was worse, Peninnah would take the occasion to provoke Hannah sorely every year. Of course Hannah was sad. Elkanah tried to console her.
And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?"(1 Samuel 1:8)
Of course not! To a woman, a husband is not a son. He is only the son of another woman, not her own son. Elkanah thought too highly of himself. A husband can satisfy his wife in all ways, but he can never satisfy her mother instinct without the help of God.
Thanks to Erminia, my wife. She has been very generous in giving birth to four children for me, two before the eruption of my diabetes and two after. The latter two restore my confidence in life. The four of them strengthen me and have given me the drive to hang on, to strike the best out of my life. All four give their mother headaches and great satisfactions and cheer her up when I have been too burdensome for her.
The experience of pregnancy is beyond the reach of man. At most, man can invest his energy to create his brain-child. Still, it is a sensation of the brain, not his womb which is absent in man. The experience of pregnancy must be fascinating beyond man's imagination. Perhaps one day, technology is able to simulate such an experience in infertile women for nine months. Perhaps then, curious men may be able to steal the joy of pregnancy. Then, men may better know women.
Currently, many couples prefer not to bear babies. They are able to put forth many reasons. If they need the warmth and companionship of children, they keep pets or adopt orphans. However, they still miss the emotional satisfactions of pregnancy. The women, and perhaps the men will feel unfulfilled. I should stop now lest I offend many people.
Dear Lord, I pray for my mother and all mothers. Their children may not be successful or perfect. Bless them for they cooperate with You to bring new lives, new hopes on earth. Amen.
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