December 9
One of the most important events for which I had to prepare was the birth of our first child 33 years ago. It was an exciting time, tinged with a bit of fear. Not only was I to become a mother, I was leaving my teaching job to be a stay-at-home mom--- a major life change.
The baby was due in early November. By mid-October the nursery had been painted a neutral green, the crib had been assembled, and a rocking chair was ready for late night feedings. We were enrolled in a Parenting class and I was going to prenatal exercise class. I thought I was well on my way to being prepared for what was coming. In reality, only the “stuff” was prepared. I had focused on the material things that ,while necessary, were only part of the needed preparation. I still had time to think about what this change would mean to our lives, about how we were changing from a couple into a family, right? I was wrong! Julie arrived 3 weeks early on October 20. We were blessed us with a healthy baby girl. It didn’t matter if I felt prepared or not, she was here!
I was overwhelmed during those first few weeks, as many new mothers are. Gradually, I gained some confidence in my new role. I found that the middle of the night feedings became my favorite time with Julie. It was during those quiet times that I felt God’s presence with us most. I began to feel that preparing to be a parent was an on-going process and that God would be with me on the rest of the journey. 33 years later I still turn to God for guidance and understanding in regard to my children.
I took three lessons from this experience. First, when dealing with a life-changing event, the material aspect of preparation is important but not the only aspect. Second, sometimes you do not have control over the timing of the event. Being prepared means being prepared with time to spare! Third, and most important, God will be with you in your journey if you open your heart and put your faith in him.
Chris Ryder
The baby was due in early November. By mid-October the nursery had been painted a neutral green, the crib had been assembled, and a rocking chair was ready for late night feedings. We were enrolled in a Parenting class and I was going to prenatal exercise class. I thought I was well on my way to being prepared for what was coming. In reality, only the “stuff” was prepared. I had focused on the material things that ,while necessary, were only part of the needed preparation. I still had time to think about what this change would mean to our lives, about how we were changing from a couple into a family, right? I was wrong! Julie arrived 3 weeks early on October 20. We were blessed us with a healthy baby girl. It didn’t matter if I felt prepared or not, she was here!
I was overwhelmed during those first few weeks, as many new mothers are. Gradually, I gained some confidence in my new role. I found that the middle of the night feedings became my favorite time with Julie. It was during those quiet times that I felt God’s presence with us most. I began to feel that preparing to be a parent was an on-going process and that God would be with me on the rest of the journey. 33 years later I still turn to God for guidance and understanding in regard to my children.
I took three lessons from this experience. First, when dealing with a life-changing event, the material aspect of preparation is important but not the only aspect. Second, sometimes you do not have control over the timing of the event. Being prepared means being prepared with time to spare! Third, and most important, God will be with you in your journey if you open your heart and put your faith in him.
Chris Ryder