The Momma Dance

Yesterday - Sunday, I was blessed to get to hold little Caleb during our worship service. While I was snuggling him and swaying, I thought about how "The Momma Dance" just seems to come naturally to women. It wasn't something I thought about - "Oh, I need to sway a little bit to settle him." I just started that instinctive groove when I took Caleb into my arms. He was reminded instantly that I was someone he was safe with, someone he could snuggle down into and just close those heavy eyelids. (Now don't laugh, but sometimes I even find myself doing "The Momma Dance" when I don't have a little one, but I just hear or see a baby or toddler being restless or fussy. I have even been known to "rock" a grocery cart back and forth when I hear those sounds, yet no little one is sitting in my cart.) I guess once you start "the Momma Dance" you never finish it, even when your babies have all grown up and moved away.
Back to yesterday. I looked around at our young mothers holding little ones and noticed that even while sitting that sway was there. What an instinct God has blessed us with! Then I noticed a few dads holding the little ones and even one Grampa. The sway was not part of their dance, instead it was funny faces and lovingly spoken words to babies who were held an arm lengths away on Daddy's/Grampa's knees. (I have an idea this might be to allow baby full view of funny faces and allow Daddy/Grampa a guaranteed look at that bright beautiful smile on Baby's face!) Then I noticed Grampa was motioning for a bottle and you know what? "The Momma Dance" made an appearance as soon as he snuggled Baby down for a bottle! I guess Daddies do know "The Momma Dance!"