John 3:16 – “For God loved the world in this way:^[a] He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (HCSB)

Becoming a mother brought on a love that I never even imagined. Recent decades have given women the convenience of home pregnancy tests, but my test was done in the doctor’s office. I remember waiting anxiously for the results, then racing to my husband’s office almost before the nurse could finish saying “positive”. Remembering the excitement and joy of telling our parents and grandparents still brings a smile. I wore maternity tops over my microscopic bun, delighting as it grew to meager bump and onto massive bulge. I loved every kick and was amazed when a little foot could be seen pushing against my skin. I can’t describe the joy of holding that precious miracle for the first time or how “love” became an entirely new word for me at that moment. Our son had infantile asthma so there were times of sleeping in the crib with him to calm his fears under the croup tent, of sleeping on the floor beside his bed so we could hear him breathe, of holding him as medicated mist blew in his face. We prayed petitions, praises, and scripture daily as we watched him grow. I have loved seeing my little boy become a man and make his own home with the woman God created to be his wife. I would do anything to protect my son because I have loved him since his conception. God loved His Son from the beginning of time yet He loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins. How can we ignore a love like that?