I can't believe I've been pregnant for 6 months already, that's half a year! The fact that a baby is really joining our family in about 3 months has become more and more of a reality. And with the holidays just around the corner, I know that these next few months are going to fly by.
The Lord has really taught me SO much already through pregnancy, as I have mentioned in previous blogs, but being 6 months pregnant compelled me to make a list of 6 things I have learned thus far. May it be an encouragement to each of you.
It's Not About YOU!: I suppose this is a lesson I should already have mastered, but the reality is I am selfish. I don't think I realized how selfish I was until this pregnancy came about. I know once baby is here I will learn this even more, but as of now I am prayerfully pursuing a more humble and selfless attitude, heart, and life...one that reflects that of Christ as seen in Philippians 2.
Sacrificial Love: I always knew that my mom sacrificed her wants and needs for our family but until pregnancy, I didn't realize how much. Being pregnant is a preparation for motherhood and that is full of God calling me to sacrifice- my body, my emotions, my desires, my time, all of me, for the benefit of another. Christ is my example, and I pray that He will continue to enable me.
I Take A LOT for Granted: Not being able to eat certain foods, sleep the whole night through or even sleep on my back has daily reminded me of how much I daily take for granted...the little things. I am praying for a more grateful heart, after all, I have more than I could ever imagine, and SO much to be thankful for.
I Can't Do This Alone: Yes, I am dependent upon God for all things, but I often forget. Pregnancy is a constant reminder of my need for His grace, strength, and power in my daily life. He promises to supply just what you need, and for that supply, I am so thankful...it is something I daily draw upon.
My Husband is my GREATEST Earthly Gift: I cannot imagine walking through this with anyone else in this life than the man God made for me. He is a constant encouragement, support, and help. He puts up with crazy pregnancy emotions and continually points me to Jesus. I love him more every day and cannot wait to parent with him!
Take Each Day, ONE Day at a Time: The planner in me likes to "control"; in fact this is an area in my life that God has sanctified me so much in. Because I like to plan, and know what's next, I tend to think often of the future (not just what tonight will hold but we're talking about what will happen in a month, two months and so forth). I often fail to "smell the roses" because of it. I forget to enjoy where God has me TODAY, and miss opportunities to see His faithfulness and goodness in that moment because I get worried or anxious about the future. Pregnancy has forced me to take each day as it comes, and has opened up my eyes to so many blessings that each day holds. I pray that I would continue to have a daily mentality and perspective on life, rather than a long term one. After all, we aren't promised tomorrow
People ask me if I enjoy being pregnant. And in all honesty, I have said "no". I mean there are aspects I love (like feeling my baby kick inside of me, seeing their precious face on an ultrasound, anticipating their arrival, etc.). But my response has got me really thinking. The truth is, pregnancy has been a gift. Trials are gifts, and although they are packaged differently then what we usually expect to receive when we think of gifts, they are often so much sweeter because they have refined us, and made us more like Jesus. If the Lord so allows me to carry more children, I anticipate much more sanctification through each pregnancy, but am confident that although the physical aspects of pregnancy may never be "enjoyable", the spiritual benefits, are everlasting.
The Lord has really taught me SO much already through pregnancy, as I have mentioned in previous blogs, but being 6 months pregnant compelled me to make a list of 6 things I have learned thus far. May it be an encouragement to each of you.
It's Not About YOU!: I suppose this is a lesson I should already have mastered, but the reality is I am selfish. I don't think I realized how selfish I was until this pregnancy came about. I know once baby is here I will learn this even more, but as of now I am prayerfully pursuing a more humble and selfless attitude, heart, and life...one that reflects that of Christ as seen in Philippians 2.
Sacrificial Love: I always knew that my mom sacrificed her wants and needs for our family but until pregnancy, I didn't realize how much. Being pregnant is a preparation for motherhood and that is full of God calling me to sacrifice- my body, my emotions, my desires, my time, all of me, for the benefit of another. Christ is my example, and I pray that He will continue to enable me.
I Take A LOT for Granted: Not being able to eat certain foods, sleep the whole night through or even sleep on my back has daily reminded me of how much I daily take for granted...the little things. I am praying for a more grateful heart, after all, I have more than I could ever imagine, and SO much to be thankful for.
I Can't Do This Alone: Yes, I am dependent upon God for all things, but I often forget. Pregnancy is a constant reminder of my need for His grace, strength, and power in my daily life. He promises to supply just what you need, and for that supply, I am so thankful...it is something I daily draw upon.
My Husband is my GREATEST Earthly Gift: I cannot imagine walking through this with anyone else in this life than the man God made for me. He is a constant encouragement, support, and help. He puts up with crazy pregnancy emotions and continually points me to Jesus. I love him more every day and cannot wait to parent with him!
Take Each Day, ONE Day at a Time: The planner in me likes to "control"; in fact this is an area in my life that God has sanctified me so much in. Because I like to plan, and know what's next, I tend to think often of the future (not just what tonight will hold but we're talking about what will happen in a month, two months and so forth). I often fail to "smell the roses" because of it. I forget to enjoy where God has me TODAY, and miss opportunities to see His faithfulness and goodness in that moment because I get worried or anxious about the future. Pregnancy has forced me to take each day as it comes, and has opened up my eyes to so many blessings that each day holds. I pray that I would continue to have a daily mentality and perspective on life, rather than a long term one. After all, we aren't promised tomorrow
People ask me if I enjoy being pregnant. And in all honesty, I have said "no". I mean there are aspects I love (like feeling my baby kick inside of me, seeing their precious face on an ultrasound, anticipating their arrival, etc.). But my response has got me really thinking. The truth is, pregnancy has been a gift. Trials are gifts, and although they are packaged differently then what we usually expect to receive when we think of gifts, they are often so much sweeter because they have refined us, and made us more like Jesus. If the Lord so allows me to carry more children, I anticipate much more sanctification through each pregnancy, but am confident that although the physical aspects of pregnancy may never be "enjoyable", the spiritual benefits, are everlasting.
No comments:
Post a Comment