I knew there had to be a theology of changing nappies. Martin Luther - probably the first theologian in the history of the church to have changed nappies (is this true?) - wrote this:
Now observe that when that clever harlot, our natural reason... , takes a look at married life, she turns up her nose and says, "Alas, must I rock the baby, change its nappies, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights with it, take care of it when it cries, heal its rashes and sores... ?
What then does Christian faith say to this? It opens its eyes, looks upon all these insignificant, distasteful, and despised duties in the Spirit, and is aware that they are all adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels. It says, O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or change its nappies, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother. How is it that I, without any merit, have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised. Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labor, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight...
God, with all his angels and creatures is smiling--not because the father is changing nappies, but because he is doing so in Christian faith.
Aahh yes. I did three of these in 20 minutes not long ago, all in faith. (BTW: for 'natural reason' read: it stinks! But notice: it is not about giving the father hat-tips for doing domestic tasks.)
6 comments:
probably the first theologian in the history of the church to have changed nappies (is this true?)
I suspect that Mary might win this honour...
Well, possibly, ... but there is a long line of unmarried males from her to Luther!
As a guy who is trying to write a PhD with a gorgeous 9 month old on my lap I found this quote timely and encouraging. Thanks. BTW. did I mention how awesome she is? Loves Forsyth too! :-) If it's a toss up between wooden blocks and Jemima Puddleduck and my thesis ... well who can say ... Praise the Lord who works all things according the counsel of his will.
Someone very wise read this quote to me a couple of years ago, and it was the beginning of my reason being conquered by Jesus in this area.
I think I would have always looked with reluctance on the idea of mothering... My reluctance was transformed by this wonderful insight into the sacred responsibility of parenting. It's also helped me appreciate my parents a lot more too :-)
I do certainly think that ministers need to hear this sometimes, when they are busy doing what they call is 'God's work' (or 'gospel work' if you are in Sydney)...
My friend Kosta directs me to Miroslav Volf's book on Work for more insight here.
Great quote. I could have done with that about ten years ago on some dark stinky night, when rudely awoken by one of my little darlings.
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