Multitudes on Mondays: Bellies

I think pregnant women are beautiful. 

Especially their bellies. 

I got to rub this one . . . and take pictures. 

Amateur photos, that is.

Honored.  Thankful.  Amazed. 

Being with a laboring woman . . . to feel the power of life.  The miracle of life. 

God is a creative One.  Of that I am sure.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you.

Psalm 139:  13-18

So . . . not a list of multitudes.  Just one.

Life.  Powerful. 

OK . . . I can’t resist.  Here are a few more.  My journal is beside me.

250.  Mountain biking with my sons and experiencing “danger” with them prayerfully.

251.  Bagels roasted over an open fire.

252.  A computer box in the hands of a UPS man, just before we left for vacation.

253.  Grimy bathrooms that house gentle showers and refreshment at a campground.

257.  A meal filled with ingredients from our garden.

258.  A night of delivering essential oils like St. Nicholas.

262.  My mother-in-law and her Kerug . . . while camping.  Thank you electric campsites.

263.  Electric dog training collars.

264.  A 7 year old boy who wanted to make sure his brothers received presents on HIS birthday.

265.  Fellowship and feasts . . . miles from home.

At the Moment of Surrender

Writing a blog post in your head while driving is about as dangerous as texting when operating a moving vehicle.  (At least, for me.)

Combine my mental processor working with the fact(s) that I was driving my MIL’s Lexus with the windows down, listening to U2, having a good hair day, enjoying my comfy yoga pants and favorite prego shirt—all on my way to introduce my midwife to my due date . . . which I have never met before, and the driving situation becomes almost surrealistic. 

During this moment of fahrvergnügen, the lyrics of Moments of Surrender by said above band,  blew into my ears almost as if prompted by the Good Lord, Himself.  This doesn’t surprise me, as many of you know that God has worked through my heart in mysterious ways through this iconic band. 

At the moment of surrender

I folded to my knees

I did not notice the passers-by

And they did not notice me.

Here’s the deal-e-o . . . I’ve never met my due date before. 

And it got me thinking.  There are so many times in my life where I have said,

“Self, everything will be perfect when you lose your weight.” 

or

“If only I had a boyfriend, then all would be well.” 

or

“Once we get married, I’ll be less sinful.” 

Or

“When we have children, then I will truly find fulfillment.” 

or

“Now if we just had a house with a swing set . . . now you are talking, God.” 

Or

“If I could just puke, then I would feel all better.”  (Not that I thought that last night.)

But the striving continues.  The “what if’s” . . . the “if only’s” . . . the “then’s” . . .

It simply doesn't work that easily.  Just because you get what you want, doesn’t mean that you get what you need. 

So, though I’m sure going to be thankful to have this baby . . . it doesn’t mean that my life (or body) will be more comfortable or easier . . . it doesn’t mean I will get a better night’s sleep or perspire less.  My children, one in particular, won’t instantly settle down and understand that he is still just as important to me as his siblings.  Mussie will still forage for food.  And having another female in the house, doesn’t mean I will always have a common ally.

But my thought today . . . I surrender.  I fall down to my knees.  I don’t care who sees me.  I don’t care who notices me.  I’m just going to be.  Be pregnant.  Be in the Word.  Be about My Father’s business.  Be the best wife and mom that I can be with the energy that I have.  Practice forgiveness and extend grace.

I am looking forward to hugs that don’t hurt.  Reading to little boys who can actually sit on my lap.  And kissing my husband without bending to reach him. 

At least, I have my new Bible study picked out.  I’m sure that after I finish it, it will have completely transformed me into the perfect mother.  (Smiles.)