Thoughts On Being Expectant Parents

This past week has brought lots of excitement and lots of time to think. There is a baby boom going on in Salem and at Morning Star Community Church. It has been a joy to journey through many of our friends' pregnancies and births this past year. Two couples we love dearly just had their first children last week. Congratulations again to Nolan and Jill Nelson on the birth of Jace, and to Josh and Erica Gordon on the birth of Elliana. The greatest joy is knowing that these children will be brought up in some wonderful families.

As I've anxiously waited to hear news of these births, I've thought about our situation. No, I'm not able to actually "give birth." This is a hard fact and one that God has been so gracious and gentle in helping me grasp. Yet, we will be going through many of the same emotions and stages as any expecting couple.

* When is the due date?

* What will the sex of our baby be?

* Will our baby be physically, mentally, and emotionally o.k.?

* Will we be good parents able to discipline, love, guide, correct, and raise them well?

* Will the baby be a good sleeper, eater, pooper, etc.?

One blessing about being older parents is that we have had the privilege to watch our brothers and sisters in law, along with some close friends, do a fantastic job raising their children. We are blessed to have some wonderful families in our lives.

I am being careful not to let my emotions or mind run too far or too fast. We know this will be a long journey. Yet, like every expectant parent, we want to use this time to wisely prepare ourselves individually and as a couple to be the best parents we can be.