Waiting

This Friday is my due date. I remember at the very beginning of the pregnancy, when I attended an informational class at my ob/gyn office, the instructor told us all that we should add a week and a half to our anticipated due date, and just start telling people that is when the baby is coming.

So, very realistically, it still may be 2 weeks before this child arrives.

We feel mostly ready.

The list of supplies has come together:

• Crib- check
• Changing table- check
• Car seat- check
• Diaper bag- check
• Bags for the hospital- check
• Little, tiny onesies that look too small even to be doll clothes- check

My mom and grandma sewed a beautiful quilt for the baby room. So many people have given gifts: diapers, lotion, noise machine, lamp, fuzzy sweatshirts, socks, toys, books, blankets, wipes…

It’s remarkable that after 9 months of waiting, puking, shopping, reading, taking classes, praying, and making preparations we feel just about ready to launch fully into the adventure of parenting.

But when will we? Like the return of the Lord, only God knows the day and the hour. And as prepared as we may feel, there is a definite reason for each additional day that He gives us before this little boy comes.

Perhaps we need another verse to hang onto, to bolster our strength and renew our hope.

Perhaps another conversation about how we’re going to face this new season together.

Perhaps a chance to file the huge pile of papers on the dresser (but then again, it’s waited this long!)

Perhaps another person to intercede for the birth of this baby.

Perhaps a few more projects at work.

Perhaps another nap and lovely, long night of sleep.

I don’t want the waiting to turn to chaffing, to doubting, to frustration.

As a friend wrote in an email yesterday, we’re trusting the Lord to choose the perfect birthday for our son.

Wait for the LORD. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, and wait for the LORD (Psalm 27:4).