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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Gray Hair and Babies

Recently, and for obvious reasons, I've been thinking a lot about the women in the Bible that had babies 'out of season' like Sarah and Elizabeth. I'm not quite as old as they were (at least not Sarah) and obviously I haven't been barren, but I do think that age gives a new perspective to having children.


Each pregnancy gets more and more precious to me since I now realize that in spite of what I thought in my 20s and 30s that I won't be able to have babies for the rest of my life. Each pregnancy I now realize could be the last. And I also realize that not all pregnancies lead to the birth of children. I am not taking anything for granted this time around. I am choosing to enjoy each day. It might be all the time I have with this baby. It might be the last time I ever have the awesome privilege of feeling a life growing inside of me (and kicking and squirming and tossing and turning).


However, this appreciation for the blessing God is giving doesn't mean that I can't complain and belly ache about all the various complications and pains associated with said blessing. Having a baby is hard work...and not just the birthing process. People often say to me that I must have wonderful pregnancies since we have allowed God to freely bestow His blessings on our family. Welp, those of you who've been around me for my pregnancies know way better than that!! As my dear friend Pam told me 20 years ago "Denise, you have thrown up in every restaurant in Arlington!" (Arlington, Texas that is....where Pam and I went out often for lunch and dinner.) Indeed any of you reading this who are my closest friends have memories of pregnant me throwing up in your presence (or your bathroom). :>) I owe you all for your encouragement and your support!!

Anyway back to my main point, I am so grateful for this opportunity to have a baby. I thank God that He saw fit to give my one more 'check'....after all the Bible says that children are the reward of the Lord and the word that is translated reward means wages or salary...babies are the way that God pays us and I'm getting a raise! Hallelujah!!

People ask me how I feel about having a baby ‘at this age’ or ‘at this point in my life’. I’ll tell you how I feel. I feel honored. Truly honored. And incredibly thankful. Thank you, God.

9 comments:

Angie Washington said...

Have I ever told you that I thank God for putting you in my life? Well, I do. You are an admirable woman; so full of grace and wisdom. Bless you!

The Holmans In Bolivia said...

Angie,

I am so grateful that God has brought us together. I am grateful for your friendship and your love for our Lord and your family. I look forward to adding you to my list of dear friends I've puked around. :>) It shouldn't be long now.

Denise

Angie Washington said...

Ha! Ha! Ha! Bienvenida mi querida mamita. Estoy esperandlo con gran anticipacion. :-)

Sunshine said...

WOW! Congratulations! I have been away from reading your blog for a while - the day after Christmas I found out my sister had cancer - my family is very broken - so it has been a hard month this past month (nothing compared to what my sister is going through) but WOW - this made my day! Congratulations - Sunshine

Becky said...

Denise and Joe,

We are so excited for you all. Another little blond head running around Coch. You are so blessed. We'll keep you in our prayers.

Love you all,
The Porters

Anonymous said...

How true! God Bless! It is all so exciting! :)

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful blessing! I love how you can enjoy it all the ups and downs of pregnancy and finding the blessing in it all, a raise, thats a wonderful way to put it!!!! Enjoy. I do have what may be a silly question but I never knew someone who was a US citizen and was having a baby in another country, how will the babies citizenship work? God bless you with a joyful 9 months and a healthy little one!!!!

Anonymous said...

Amen, sista! I am praying for you!
geni
another older mom blessed with sweet paychecks :)

Schellhases said...

Oh y'all. I am so happy for you. I've been "under the weather" for about a month now - getting my immune system all built up. Ha. So, I've been out of the blog-a-sphere. What a great welcome back though. We are all rejoicing with your family. And we can't wait to hear the name you choose!

Un gran abrazo!