Mother

The woman is impregnated by her husband and a new life begins inside her. She is given the awesome privilege and responsibility to gestate, deliver, then nurse this new person. The growing child is fully dependent on the mother's goodness as she nourishes and provides the special environment required for the child during this especially vulnerable and tender period. Thankfully she is wonderfully created with the equipment for just that purpose and it generally "just works" as she guards herself appropriately. Her body endures a heavy toll though and much self-sacrifice is required although she suffers gladly as she is more concerned about the child's welfare.

Her body precisely changes and adapts to the growing child inside, providing just what is needed along the way. When the child has reached term, the mother's body again adapts and she is able to deliver the child where it begins its life outside the mother's body. Further, her body has prepared for this moment and she is immediately able to nourish the child directly with her milk. While this provision is made for her without special effort, she must be faithful to administer it to the child as needed. The milk is exactly what the child needs at this early age. It nourishes and builds up the immune system so as to be protected now and later. Mother and child share a special life-long intimacy starting with her nursing.

After a time, the child becomes ready for solid food. She senses this and begins to wean the child off her milk, knowing the child needs solid food for growth. All along the way while meeting physical needs, the mother begins development of the child's character and intellect.

After a time, the child develops enough and becomes ready for potty training. The child enters a new stage with this independence and the mother and father enter a new phase in love and provision.

All through this life, she never outgrows her motherhood, supporting and supplying all that is needed for the child. From the very beginning, she sacrificially loves this new life and nurtures uniquely through her womanhood. Yet, she is well aware that it is a gift and she has been granted stewardship over this life for a time. She is also well aware of being under the authority of her Creator and her husband, the child's father who is equally blessed with the child in the same way. Along the way, she unselfishly introduces and encourages the child's relationship to her husband who is essential for the child in complementary ways.