A Healthy Anticipation

We're a little over a week out from my due date and I have to say I'm really not overly anxious about this birth. I almost anticipated I would be because just about every mom I talked to who was in this same situation couldn't wait for the pregnancy to be over. Don't get me wrong, I am just thrilled for the moment I get to meet this little one for the first time, look into that little face, hold those little feet I've felt kicking me for the past few months. The thought of seeing that little face is beyond exciting. Yet, at the same time I feel very content in the moments that lead up to it. Yes, I am getting bigger and am looking forward to sleeping on my stomach again, cuddling with my husband without having about a foot's distance separating us, picking a booth at a restaurant with full confidence that I can indeed fit; but, not enough to give up these final moments of this pregnancy. Each moment is such a blessing and I truly feel the Lord designed each moment to be lived and for us to see his glory shine through them all. Maybe I'd feel differently if it was a difficult pregnancy with a handful of other ailments that went along with it and I do realize I'm very blessed to have had it as good as it has been. So, I don't want to downplay any woman's particular struggles she's had with her own pregnancy. I just want to continue to be grateful for the journey I've been on these past nine months.

My sister in law asked me if I'd feel the same way about the labor, as in, enjoying every moment of it as well. I told her I really hope I do. And I meant it. Pain, blood, sweat, tears, all of it. I want to experience all of it the way the Lord intended it. Our original sin caused the curse of pain during childbirth and that is now a part of life. How better to see God's glory than have him hold me and lift me above that pain. I know I haven't been there yet and I speak out of inexperience, but I truly pray that this experience would be like many other challenging times in my life, and in its outcome it would bring glory to God. This blessing and gift of life is so overwhelming for me at times when I think of how he created this little one living inside of me. He has allowed me to be a part of his creation - I can't imagine a greater gift. I pray I would honor him in how I receive that gift.

So, I guess you can say I have a healthy anticipation for the things to come. There is definitely a bit of anxiety in the unknown, don't get me wrong, but overall it's just really an overwhelming sense of peace. The Lord has caused my attitude to change a bit during this pregnancy and slow down in life. He's taught me how to wait on him and his perfect timing in our lives. The strangest part is that it hasn't even been hard to do - the waiting that is. It's allowed me to see and appreciate all the colors of each season and to be in the moments he's given me.