It's All About Seasons

Penelope is our sweet guernsey who apparently had a one night stand with Chuck, a black angus bull. (naughty girl!) This did not make her previous owners very happy so she came to live with us on our farm to become our new family milk cow.

Over the past few months we have watched, with great anticipation, as her belly became large and her due date drew closer.

On a cool November morning, as the sun was beginning to peak over the mountains, we were pleasantly surprised as we saw a cute black calf standing by it's mama in the field. We were so excited! We finally had our new baby on the farm.

Penelope with our baby Lucy.

As I checked out Penelope and her new baby, I couldn't help thinking back to my many pregnancies and deliveries. All very different, yet all very miraculous.

Birth is a miracle from God. But before the miracle, there is 9 months of change, emotional upheaval and the hard work of labor. Isn't that just like life?

I don't know where you are on your journey of life, but every season requires that we go through changes and labor through difficult times.

I remember being so thrilled each time we found out that God was blessing us with another child. People thought we were crazy for having a large family, but it's all we ever wanted. The excitement of another "blessing" was contagious!

But then came the morning sickness...or rather all day and all night nausea. I had horrible "morning sickness" for the first 3-4 months for each pregnancy. There were days that nothing got done around the house and the TV became my babysitter. Nothing...and I mean nothing...stayed in my stomach. Many times I was placed in the hospital for IV fluids where I would question my sanity for having another baby.

Then, around 4 months or so, I felt great! I loved the second trimester. I could finally eat food and ride in the car without having to pull over to empty my stomach. I could see my "blessing" as my stomach became more and more round. My energy returned, the house was finally clean, homeschool was getting done and life was good. Until labor began...

The feel of the first long awaited contraction was thrilling. The atmosphere would buzz with excitement as siblings and grandparents waited to hear the news of the new baby.

Then transition would occur...you know, when the contractions take your breath away and you rethink the whole natural birth idea. I remember not wanting any noise or even anyone to speak to me. I needed to focus on getting through each contraction while trying to relax to allow the baby to move down the birth canal. It's an intense time.

But before long, I would be fully dilated and ready to push out my "blessing." It seemed like every muscle in my body had to help get the baby out. I had to focus, take deep breaths, and moan through the intense pain. Yet, before long, our baby would arrive.

Life is much life pregnancy and birth. We all get excited in the beginning of something new. Maybe you are a newlywed still in the honeymoon stage. Or maybe you have finally started your new business. Whatever it is, you start off with a big smile on your face. Until reality hits. That's the morning sickness part. When things in life suddenly change and can even become nauseating.

The unexpected medical bill, the car decides to break down, or maybe you lose your job. Whatever the "reality" may be, it can make one feel sick.

Somehow, the morning sickness starts to subside and life becomes easier. You get the promotion at work, the van is finally paid off, and little Johnny is off to college. Life seems wonderful...for a little while. But then life's "contractions" begin. Maybe the doctor gives you a bad report, or you happen to see a text message from "another women," or your so called friend suddenly starts spreading horrible gossip about you. Maybe you discover that your teen is experimenting with drugs, or the company unexpectedly lets you go. Yes, life's contractions are painful! You may feel like you won't make it. But hang on. God NEVER fails. Keep praying. Stay faithful to the house of God. Dig deep into His Word. And claim His promises over your life. Just like a woman travailing in labor, it will come to an end. You WILL receive your blessing.

Life is about seasons. Some seasons are wonderful while others are full of struggles. But remember, this too shall pass. The hard times won't last forever. Just take those cleansing breaths, trust the process, and birth your blessing...all in God's timing.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10