I remember it (mostly) fondly. I was staring into my husband’s eyes, listening as he read scriptures over me. Sweat was dripping from my brow, exhaustion and excitement were setting in as I was about to give birth to our miracle baby girl. I’m breathing through contractions when suddenly, my ears take in something that feels out of place. I hear a steady beat, then Salt N’ Peppa begin directing me to “push it real good.” I look up to see our nurse’s big smile and she says, “Oh, this is awesome!”
I look at Chad’s face, raise my eyebrows as if to say, “really?” I had created a playlist of beautiful worship songs that our child would hear as she was brought into the world, but he decided to add one of his own. That song turned out to be just what I needed, and in a few moments, we were holding our darling girl in our arms.
What we did not know is that God was about to “push” us into the world of parenthood and it would require a greater refinement, unity, and anointing than we could foresee. As I reflect on our first year as parents together, I remember what God taught us.
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Embrace the refinement.
Parenting stretches us farther than we can imagine. It requires us to lay down our comforts, sleep, hobbies, and routines. Any parent will tell you that those first few months throw many curve balls your way. This became an anthem: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV). Instead of complaining, we began to boast in our weaknesses and ask God to bring His power where we were empty. Will we let perseverance finish its perfect work? Will we let love propel us forward into the mothers and fathers God is asking us to be?
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Pursue unity.
Unity is a choice, but it is so much easier when we enjoy each other. Keep connecting even if it looks different for a season. Keep holding hands and cuddling. Keep making each other laugh (very simple things become funny when you’re sleep deprived, FYI). Take time, without rushing, to understand God’s heart behind the key issues you will be facing together: discipline, instilling character, running your home, and teaching your children God’s Word. With His wisdom guiding you, move forward in confidence and unity.
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Walk in Your Anointing.
I found myself feeling disillusioned and discouraged in my role as a parent recently. A friend reminded me of this scripture, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” Psalm 127:3 (ESV). I was in worship at church when I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me, “Receive your reward, Monica.” There are so many schemes of the enemy to prevent us from enjoying parenthood and walking in the anointing that has been granted to us. Let’s remember who entrusted us with this honor and walk it out confidently.
