Happy Mother's Day

Now there's a phrase that can be either overwhelmingly joyous or fraught with grief.  I know, because I've experienced both.  I honestly wasn't sure I would ever know anything but sorrow on hearing those three little words.  Having endured five years struggling with infertility, I spent many a day crying & praying for the sleeping baby that I now hold in my arms.  From the moment that we found out that God was forming her in my womb, I've known joy beyond expression.  She is more amazing, incredible, & breathtaking than I could have ever imagined!  From the first time I could feel her moving inside me, to when we heard her heartbeat & saw her ultrasound picture, to the day she was born & we finally got to bring her home, to all of the moments since:  making her smile & laugh; watching her accomplish new feats like rolling over, sitting up, & crawling; watching her jump in her jumperoo while she squeals with joy; holding her while she sleeps - all this & so much more makes this Mother's Day so very special & unspeakably joyful.  You see, for me, it's more of a celebration of our Emma than of me, because she is the whole reason that I've had my first Happy Mother's Day.

Thank You, Father, from the bottom of my heart for giving Emma to us.  Along with Hannah, we affirm that "for this child I prayed, & the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him".  (1 Samuel 1:27)  Please help us, Lord, to raise her to know, love, & trust You.  Let her see faith, repentance, & a striving for godliness in us every day.  And please, Father, above all else, saver her from her sin.  In Christ's name I pray.  Amen.