Labor of Love

Romans 8:22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

I remember week 40 of both my pregnancies. I really had very easy pregnancies. My boys (despite their size now) were average babies. 7 1/2 pounds or so. But there was always an end in sight- a square to check off on the calendar. The DUE DATE. Both my boys took a week longer than we anticipated. And both were induced labors...so we could've been in for a much longer wait. The labors were different, though. With Levi, I had the pleasure of an epidural. I remember getting the epidural. And then I remember waking up to, "Mika, it's time to push." That's about all I remember. I do not remember his delivery. Kind of makes me sad. It's the reason we chose to video Noah's birth. With Noah, I received some pain relievers during my labor. But when the time came to push, it was out of nowhere and there was no time for an epidural. I felt EVERYTHING. I remember EVERYTHING. I literally cried out to God for strength during that delivery. I sang hymns! I preached a sermon! If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely choose no epidural. Sounds crazy, right? But there was something satisfying about the experience. It drew me closer to God. And I remember everything- the anticipation, the emotion, the pain and the joy.

As we wait to hear word from Ukraine, I am reminded of that labor. All this waiting and wondering will be worth it one day. There may not be a "due date." There are no squares to check off the calendar. But there is hope of a great day that is coming. In a way, labor has already begun. This is a labor of love. There are no epidurals to allow me to rest until their arrival. There is only life, slapping me in the face with sicks kids, lessons to be taught, recitals to organize, and soccer games to attend. In between contractions, I may have a tendency to complain. Morning bible study takes care of that real quick! Jesus' suffering was far greater when he chose to adopt me. So with every groan, I will think of the cross. Puts things into perspective for sure. Still, you will have to forgive me when I take a a deep breath every time I hear the words, "So when will your boys be coming home?". Deep breath. "We're just hoping for what we don't have...and waiting...patiently."