We're waiting on a baby to arrive in our house. And with four little ones already under-foot, you can imagine the complications that arise. I try to do "just a little project" so I can stay busy and not lose my mind. Then the kids act like… kids. I get tired quicker than I planned, suddenly it's eleven AM, and we've all spun out of control for the day. I collapse into tears and turn on Noggin™.
My body fails me, my temper fails me, my desire for order and organization fails me. For this season of my life, God is using the ups and downs, the hormones, and the achy joints of pregnancy to refine me. He is pointing out my selfishness, my stubbornness, and my foolish independence. But thankfully, that's not all. He's also reminding me of Who He Is. He daily sends me snatches of verses of His promises to sustain me.
And as I look ahead to the labor and delivery that awaits me, that is all I can cling to.
I've also realized something.
The complications and frustrations of pregnancy are all leading up to this one point. The point where that baby has to come out and there's nobody to do it but me.
And I'll be looking for the exit because that is the LAST thing I want to do.
But that is the point where, in my weakness, He receives the glory. It is from the depths of HIS well of strength I will draw. It is HIS instinct of creation that takes over in a woman's body as she labors. And it is HIS creation of new life that enters the room and announces itself as a Miracle.
My job? To give it up and quit trying to prove myself. I absolutely cannot do anything without Him. And there is nothing like the prospect of a little labor to drive that point home.
So I know I will still be frustrated. I will be impatient. And I will no doubt be reduced to tears. But even as I am weakened and refined, I am comforted knowing that I am being oh, so mercifully sustained by a Loving God.
Photo courtesy of Photos by Abbi. Used with permission.
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Lora Lynn chronicles the insanity and the joy that is family life with four kids (almost five) ages four and under at Vitafamiliae. On occasion, she squeezes in a little time for a home business.
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You are in my thoughts and prayers. Four already! You can do it!
In Christ Alone,
I'm due on Nov. 28th with our 4th and this post explains so much of how I feel right now. Scared to death of labor and the challenges that a newborn brings (espcially since my youngest is only 20 months old) but so grateful to know that I am not alone and the Lord will help me.
Thanks for the reminder and good luck with your little one.
What a beautiful post, full of truth! Even in labour there comes a time when you have to change your mind around and say to yourself – "I want this". Somehow this always helps to relax everyone even the baby! I wish you well as you head towards meeting this new little person.
Here's the verse that got me through those last weeks of pregnancy, every time! May it bless you as well:
Isaiah 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His
He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young. …