And it is.
Meet “Squirt,” the newest Akridge, due in early July. Yes, it seems as though I like being huge-pregnant during the hot parts of the Alabama summers, like July and August. There's no good reason we're calling him or her "Squirt." It's just for fun until he or she has a real name.
It seems to me that God often blesses for no good reason…at least, for reasons only He knows. With all my faults, I wonder sometimes, WHY WOULD HE TRUST ME WITH ANOTHER ONE?!
The only thing I can figure, He must have plans for these children beyond what I can know. Before Bailey ever was and before this baby ever was, Gunter and I prayed earnestly that God would only give us children if their lives would glorify Him. I’m believing Him for that.
I figure He also has more work to do in my life. Labor pains are nothing compared to the growing pains that come with being a mother! I think parenthood is God’s way of sculpting us into the self-sacrificing servants we were supposed to be anyway.
That’s why the weeks after Bailey’s birth were such a shock to me. Being a servant was the furthest thing from my character…and actions. Then along came this bundle of joy, and I was all but forced to switch from serving myself to giving my life – physically, emotionally, socially, mentally – to serve another (who had no way to repay me for my kindness except in dirty diapers).
Yes, those first few weeks were tough. But reward upon reward did come...her first smile, every time she says, “Mommy,” her head on my shoulder.
Yet, so much more “me” needs to be sacrificed. I need another tour through humility boot camp.
I’m so glad that it’s “God who is at work in [us], both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). He doesn’t just ask us to grow or demand that we be more like Jesus. No, this good God works in us to make it possible. He sends me a way, blessing in the form of Squirt.
Thank You, Lord. Thank You for investing in me joy, pain, sweet glimpses of You, deeper love and spit-up on my shoulder.
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