Eleven years ago today I distinctly remember thinking on our way to the hospital …this kid is going to kill me. The contractions were super intense and the back labor was excruciating. I really thought I had a long day of labor ahead of me, but much to our surprise, our sweet Maxwell was born just over 2 hours later. It was eventful and scary, but really fast! The anticipation of the pain truly was worse since I expected much more. I spent the rest of the day gawking at this little, tiny handsome boy God gave us in complete awe and wonder. We had been given a son!
Last week in church we studied when Mary anointed Jesus with oil spending approximately $50,000 in today’s worth in that one act of worship. To Him, it was a beautiful thing. To others, it was foolish. That got me thinking about what my extraordinary gift to Jesus could be. A friend and I had been talking about getting tattoos to express our faith all summer and I really felt like that could be it. I mean, while it doesn’t cost a lot, it does hurt! And it’s permanent.
A few days later I was doing my devotions and it read…Rejoice that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life- with indelible ink! That clinched it. That afternoon I went to reserve my appointment with my friend. The guy working the counter said that he wouldn’t recommend using white ink because it can fade. He said I don’t know how much you love Jesus, but I’m not sure you want His name carved your arm. Um…isn’t that the point? I responded with Well, He did a lot more that that for me, so I’m good with it. He’s worth it! A lady at the counter said she agreed showing me her Jesus tattoo on her leg. That cemented it.
So Friday of last week I went with my friend and we did what I never though I would do. I got permanently branded as belonging to Jesus. It is my extraordinary gift to Him and it is a reminder to me that I am His and He is mine. Just like my labor and delivery with Max the anticipation of pain was much worse than the actual experience. It was over in like 10 minutes and compared to chronic pain and migraines it was a walk in the park! I also got a little extra bling in the form of a piercing. Hey…I was there and it was 20 bucks…and I can totally rock a rhinestone in my nose!
It’s funny at almost 38 years old I was a little anxious to show my parents. While I am secure in why I did it, I hoped they would understand. Thankfully they did! I am sure there will be judgements and people asking me why perhaps thinking its foolish. But, it’s between me and Jesus. I want to stand before Him one day telling Him that I am not ashamed of Him. Until then, just like I will forever be Maxwell’s mama, Jesus is permanently written on my heart and my arm…and my name will forever be in His book.
Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. Micah 3:16
Wonders of HIS Love 