Beauty From The Couch

It is truly an odd occurrence to sit on your couch and do nothing ... literally only getting up to use the bathroom.  I have to admit there are times in my normal existence the thought of that sounds fabulous but I can tell you with all honesty ... not so fabulous!  Although its hard to just sit around, I am amazed at the things I can do from one spot .... like read and read and read to my kids .... write notes of love and encouragement .... observe my kids from "the outside" and learn more about them .... learn sympathy and even empathy for those who have less mobility than I do for whatever reason .... and let others serve and bless me.  Its a hard thing especially for women to let others serve them.  We are taught to not be needy, to give to others, to not be lazy .... but God also wants us to be taken care of and loved by those around us.  It has been such a gift to really sit back and enjoy seeing others get to serve and be helpful. Especially in my children ... to watch them feel needed and important in this time.  They have learned so much by seeing the importance of mommy resting to keep our baby healthy ... learned sympathy in seeing mommy uncomfortable or being left behind when everyone gets to go somewhere ... they have learned team work .... they have learned hospitality .. and so so much more!  God has beauty to give us in every situation .... we just need to be open to seeing it!

2am

2am has become a funny hour for me ... with my last 2 babies, my labors began with my water breaking at 2am ...  for some reason, every night I wake up at 2am waiting for my water to break and breath a sigh of relief when it doesn't! Tomorrow I am 34 weeks, only 2 more weeks and these contractions will be welcomed with no anticipation.  Its funny how the same feeling can have two totally different emotions.  Contractions now are not welcome and I do everything I can to stop them.  In just a short time, I will gladly open myself to these amazing sensations, knowing that my baby is ready to join us in this great life!  Amazing what a few weeks time can mean!