I have a beautiful plate with this special Psalm on it: "Children are a gift from the Lord." What a spectacular gift they are! Tonight we were sitting down to dinner and as I glanced at the table next to us I noticed a young teenage girl glowing in her seventh month of pregnancy. My first thought was thank God that she had made the choice to carry her child. Thank God that she was mature enough to make such an adult decision. Thank God that she has a support system where she feels like she has the option to give life to this child. My heart aches for the millions of women who didn't make the same choice. I thought about all the millions of questions this young woman must have had when she took that pregnancy test. What ran through her mind as she sat there realizing that her life had dramatically changed at that very moment? Did she feel alone? Scared? Shocked? Distraught? How did she tell her family? What was the reaction of the father? I can't even begin to imagine all the ramifications she has experienced at each step along her pregnancy. How many hateful looks and comments has she received from the world? What courage she has! I asked myself, Does she realize what a miracoulous gift her child is? Does she realize that no matter how he came into existance that he has a soul and a purpose and a design and was hand picked by God to be given life through HER. Maybe his will is for an adoptive family to be blessed by her gift. Maybe she will have the resources and the courage to raise him as her own. Maybe he will bless the world in ways she never dreamed of. Thank God that this beautiful young woman choose life! I wanted to tell her how precious her baby was. How thankful I am that she had enough courage to carry him to term. I wanted to hug her family and thank them for sticking by her through times I am sure they never hoped for their baby girl.
I thought of my own pregnancies. I have taken five pregnancy tests in my life. Each one has been positive and each time I have jumped with Joy at the life within me. I have monetary and spiritual support. I have an amazing family and husband who squeals with delight with me as I share the news. How truly blessed I am. This child growing within me is such a delight to my entire family. Fear, shock, distress, anxiety, those are all things have never been a part of my pregnancy tests.
As our family lit our advent wreath tonight we read about Mary and Joseph. Their engagement, their plans for marriage, and the angel Gabriel who rocked their world. What was Mary thinking when she heard she was with child? Did she ponder how this would affect her family? Her engagement? Her friendships? Her life? The bible says she was frightened when she heard the angel. He told her not to worry that God had found favor with her. She courageously said YES to God's will. She stopped in that moment realizing that her life was not her own and focused all energy into HIS will. Becoming a tabernacle to the precious body of Christ. May she give us all the Grace to do the same. May she bless these courageous woman who have chosen life and all those who support and embrace her in her time of need.
God help me to remember that my children are a blessing. Help me to remember those women who could use my support and assistance to give life to their children. Help me to always say YES to God's will immediately, without thought of myself, with perfect obedience, and courage. Bless this Advent to be a reawakening to the gift of life. A time where we can SLOW DOWN and enjoy one another and focus on the gift of HIM.
My joy and my delight these children are. Thank you Thank you God for finding me worthy!!
