Carrying an unborn child is a wild experience.
Everyone’s experiences are vastly different, and they even vary greatly from pregnancy to pregnancy.
I’m halfway through my third pregnancy right now, and carrying a baby sure does a number on my body and my mind.
It’s a lot of work to bring a baby into this world.
I also recognize that there are so many who long for this experience and have not had this opportunity yet. My heart is with you.
There’s an entire baby that is completely dependent on you for everything from nutrition to hydration to comfort.
They just take everything that they need from your body, often at your own expense.
It’s pure sacrifice for another human’s sake.
And out of that is borne a great and pure love.
Righteous sacrifice can’t help but produce love.
“In his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, and bore them, and carried them all the days of old;” D&C 133:53
He has redeemed us, He bears our burdens, and He carries us each day.
His constant sacrifice on our behalf produces the most pure love toward us.
It’s a simple formula, really.
Sacrifice = love.
Have you wanted to grow more love toward someone or a group of people recently?
Maybe you’ve even wanted to feel more love for God?
Sacrifice for that person.
Sacrifice your time talking to them more often.
Sacrifice your resources learning more about them.
Sacrifice to serve.
Willing sacrifice, performed with good intentions, will always produce greater love.
Christ loves us. Our Heavenly Parents love us.
Mothers and fathers love their children.
And we can grow our love toward others when we endure the cost of willing sacrifice.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black