God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’
Acts 17:27,28
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Henry and I are about to embark on another adventure. We are on third base waiting for Baby Knight to signal us to run home! I am 38 weeks pregnant today and Baby Knight could arrive at any time now. Some of you may be tired of hearing about your friends getting pregnant, or the journey into parenthood is now old hat. Whatever the life stage, there seems to be a great mystery about parenthood. And yet it is how God revealed how he wanted his relationship to be with us. Everyone understands what being a child is. And in that way, this metaphor is understandable to the simplest of minds. Parenting, however brings on a greater understanding.
I am not sure that I am really up for being a mommy. Its not that I don't think I can do it. Its just that in truth I have a very big "lazy bone." I am not sure that I want to stand up to the pressures of parenting. I am not sure if I want to risk my pride and play the game of life. If that makes sense. But then, I am humbled by the verses on God being father, and my attitude changes. In fact, I am so drawn to the idea that becoming a parent helps us to understand how God loved Jesus, and us, I forget about my worries of meeting the demands of parenting. I want to understand that love.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me...That you’ve sent me and loved them, In the same way you've loved me - John 17:1
Many couples also find that they hit a home run on the child rearing front, but strike out in the their relationship with their spouse. I can see this rut as an easy one slide into. Scary. But I can also see that coming to understand God's love through parenting could instill a greater love for our spouse. Maybe I am a romantic, but it is my hope that Henry and I can maintain this if not grow in our love. Today I found a quote on pinterest (yes, I succumbed to that all adicting web community) that really eminates this idea. It was found on a blog posted by Eric Benet
[to baby]
"your heart beats because of our love, our love beats stronger because of you"
Henry and I have already become closer as we travel through these uncharted waters. Several weeks ago, Henry and my sister Ruth helped me set up the baby room. My heart skipped a couple beats when I watched Henry become excited about decorating Baby Knights room.
Henry has also been very supportive by going to the 3 hour long birthing classes for the past 8 weeks as well. Despite the great information gained, these intensive sessions were hard to sit through for both of us. We are happy the last one is tomorrow!
I have been very lucky my pregnancy has been so easy. It has only been recently that sleepless nights loom their tentacles at me. Baby knight likes to sit in places that send aweful bug crawling sensations through my legs. But seriously, in the topic of pregnancy I have been very blessed.
Life has been hard for us in other ways though. Our house continues to be under construction for example. Recently God has blessed me with peace and contentment within the chaos.
Henry's work seems to be increasingly stressful, however God seems to always provide him with the strength he needs for the day.
My Grandpa Burger passed away several weeks ago as well. In the midst of this surprising loss, God allowed enough funds for both my parents to come back to the United States. They will be in the U.S. for the next few weeks much to joy of my sisters and I! And I am sure a lot of other people.
I have been quite candid with you once again, on some of the inner workings of my mind. I do so with the hopes that you are somewhat encouraged or challenged in your own relationship with God as father as I have. However I also have a selfish reason. I am opening up my blog to your stories of child rearing and maintaining a strong relationship with Jesus and with your spouse. I look forward to hear what you have to say.
Thank you for praying for Henry and I and for being so supportive in so many other ways! We have been overwhelmed with the gifts sent our way - God has used you to provide for Baby Knight's physical needs in manners I would not have even thought of. Thank you.
Lets Play Ball
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