The Lord Has Granted Me What I Asked of Him

Back in 1986, one night as I lay in my bed, I prayed… “Lord, if you’ll just give me a child, I’ll give him back to You.  I just want a baby to love.”

I meant it with all my heart.

What I didn’t know is that a very long time before me a young woman named Hannah, in the depths of her despair, prayed a very similar prayer to the very same God. All she wanted was a child to love… and He granted her what she asked of Him. (1 Samuel 1)

And He granted me my deepest desire as well.  I found out very shortly afterward that I was pregnant with Kale. (Technically, I was pregnant at that moment!)

I truly believe children are a blessing from the Lord.  I have never been the same since that night 22+ years ago.

My children have blessed me beyond measure.

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Finding out I was pregnant.

Hearing the first heartbeat.

Feeling the first “flutter”.

Looking into the eyes of my newborn baby for the very first time.

Nursing.

Feeling their heart beat against mine.

The way they smell after a bath.

The first tooth.

The first step.

Sleeping with them when they’re sick.

Praying with them to “ask Jesus into their hearts”.

The first day of school.

Christmas morning.

Spying through the window at them at their first school dance.

Watching them play sports.

Leg wrestling.

A hug at a ballgame – in public.

Going to the movies together.

Graduation.

Hearing the words “I Love You.”

Those are some of the things I ponder in my heart… and there are so many more!

My friend, Kelly, and her husband, Scott, have prayed for a child and God has granted them what they’ve asked.  I can’t think of any two people who have more love to give a child than them.  As they prepare for the arrival of precious, enormously loved, little Harper Brown, I want to let them know that I am praying for them.

Kelly used to babysit my children.  So, it has been such fun for me watching Kelly’s little belly grow.  The anticipation of whether “it” was “Harper” or “Hudson”.  Hearing about the “firsts” of pregnancy. I’m even more excited about the joy set before them (and Harper’s grandparents).

If I could give any practical advice it would be to:

• Write things down, You will forget.
• Take lots of pictures (like there’s any danger of that being an issue).
• Be consistent (the HARDEST part of parenting, because they know how to wear you out!!).
• Read to her (another one I didn’t have to clue you in on).

Kelly, you already have such a nurturing, loving heart… motherhood will be second-nature for you.  (Oh, you’ll be calling Momma plenty! Believe me.) But, there’s no doubt that Harper will FEEL loved because of the heart that God gave you. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!!

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)