all in His time

The people at our local grocery store, gas station, and library, look at me as if I am a walking time bomb.  Family and friends call every day.  My answering machine is full of messages that start with, “just calling to see how you’re feeling”. I hesitate calling anyone, just to talk.  The nurses laugh at me. The doctors are getting doubtful and I am beginning to doubt myself.  My children are anxious and our lives feel like they’re on hold.  That’s right! My baby is overdue!

 I did not realize, now a days, how uncommon this is. I actually find the word, “overdue ”, quite humorous.  Based on your last period, a cardboard wheel is spun and a magical date that your baby will be born is given. This date is, science, estimating that a baby is in the womb for fourty weeks, give or take two weeks.  I find that doctors are more willing to induce labor at thirty eight weeks, than to allow a woman to be pregnant till forty two weeks. I guess they are more willing to take these weeks than to give them.  I struggle with this. I want to hold my baby so badly that the urge to give in to the doctor’s orders is tempting. But on the other hand……..

God placed this baby in my womb.  Then He formed and wove this baby until it was fearfully and wonderfully made.  He knows and understands my baby. He does not need an ultrasound to see its hidden form.  I have done nothing. The doctors have done nothing .God gets all the credit for making a life. Now that God has done all of this, it is time for us to take over. God can form this baby in my womb, but He cannot find a way to get it out.  Right?  No. You see right now He is putting on the final touches. Who am I to stop Him? My baby will be perfectly made and I cannot wait to meet him or her. But meanwhile I will try to be patient. I believe this quality might come in handy as a mother.

“Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me when as yet there was not one of them. “ (Psalm 139:16)

Waiting

Dear Baby, here beneath my heart,
I thought that you might come today;
The timing seemed just right.

But the stars are out
And the moon is high
And sheepishly I wonder why
I try to arrange the plans
Of God.

For now I know
You will not come
Until the One who holds eternity
Rustles your soft cocoon
 And whispers in tones that I will not hear,

“It’s time, precious gift.”

“Now it’s time.”

-poem by Robin Jones Gunn.