I will be 37 weeks pregnant tomorrow! I can't believe it. This is a good time to look back over the summer and reflect on God's faithfulness. This point seemed so far away and so uncertain back in June. Praise God for keeping baby Joel safe and sound inside for all these weeks. As I look ahead over these next few months with a lot of anxiety, I'm encouraged as I look at where God has brought me this summer. Not only did He keep Joel safe inside me, but he sustained me through my period of limited activity and through the disappointment of not being able to travel. God provided an unexpected opportunity to see Sam in Newport and to spend time with family in MD. He kept us safe as I drove and blessed my time in both places immensely. The timing was perfect for MD, because I got to see two of my very close friends from high school, who just happened to be in town during that time.
I realized just now that it's been about 9 weeks since my contraction scare and change in summer plans. The time that Sam will be gone after Joel is born is also about 9 weeks. It's encouraging to look back and know that God sustained me during these past 9 weeks, which at times were lonely, difficult and scary and know that he will sustain me through the upcoming weeks as well.
I absolutely cannot believe that we will be meeting our son in just a few weeks. A lot of my excitement has gotten lost in the midst of the stress of our situation, but when I stop to really think about it, I am overwhelmed with joy and excitement about this new life, who is so close to joining us in the world outside my belly. I can't wait to see his little face and watch his personality develop as he grows up. Believe it or not, I can't wait to actually use the diapers stacked up in the nursery. I can't wait to wake up and see him sleeping (or not sleeping) in the bassinet by our bed. I can't even imagine the feeling of holding him in my arms for the first time, this precious human being who has been making waves in my belly over all these months. It all just seems so surreal! I have to admit that I also can't wait to be able to cut my toe nails, shave and bend over easily!
I am thankful for a God who can handle my fears, doubts and disappointments and who is faithful to provide again and again.
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4: 15-16
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14: 27
Thanks for the prayers everyone and please keep them coming!
