Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thankful.

We are now into our second year of TTC. Like most of you, I didn't expect to find myself here. My questions and answers seem to run through my brain and heart like some sort of a strange IF catechism on a loop. Why us? Why not? Would we be good parents? With God's help, we like to think so. Would this child be loved? Absolutely. Have we brought our petition to the Lord? Daily. Has He heard our prayers? Most definitely. And so, we wait.

I think the waiting is the hardest part. It always has been for me. When I was a kid and would read those "choose your own adventure" books, I would always flip through of all of the options to see what my best choice would be (I never said I didn't have control issues :)). That little habit has carried on to more adult reading, and I have to stop myself from charging ahead to the last page to make sure a sick or imperiled character makes it. It's hard to cheer when you know you might get hurt.

That's where we seem to find ourselves now. We know the Lord has a plan for us, and we know it will work for His glory. We know He can't plan those ends and not plan the means. What we don't know is that second part: the means. Sometimes I think if I could just get a heavenly telegram with the final score ("it is the year ______, you have _____ child(ren,) and they are happy, healthy and loving") that I would just calm down. But I don't think that's it. I think I would still want to know more. When? How? What are they like? Did I retain any of my sanity in the process? I think we always want to know more. It's just part of being human. An imperfect, frail and fallen human who must put her hands, heart and trust with the one who does know the answers. It's a daily struggle, no doubt. Even so, it is one story that I know has a joyous ending. We have to keep cheering for our family, even though we know full well how much it can hurt.

Today, I am thankful. Thankful for a God who gives us all good things, and who lets us grow through our struggles. Thankful that He uses our pain for His glory. Thankful that God has given me a husband who can pick up the pieces here on earth, and help me dust myself off, wipe my nose and again (and again) point me towards the cross. Thankful for salvation. Thankful for family and friends. Thankful for jobs and a roof over our heads. Thankful I am not alone with my struggles. Thankful for all of you.

Thankful for the journey.

Happy Thanksgiving.

11 comments:

Danifred said...

What a beautiful post! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

..al said...

A wonderful post....hmmm....can we book God for a mind-reading session?

K said...

PERFECT!!! Your words rinf true to so many!

alicia said...

happy thanksgiving! Your faith is wonderful and inspiring

here from iclw

Leslie Laine said...

I am thankful for you and your post today. Thanks for putting all things in perspective! I feel so fortunate to have you in my life during this struggle! Have a wonderful day!

Unknown said...

Such a perfect post! You are such an example for me. You will love Martha - she is so sweet. The first visit she will be distant and professional but the more she gets to know you she is so motherly and loving. I look forward to each visit every week. I've said numerous times that I will miss her when this is over.

andrea_jennine said...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacie said...

It is important to remember that there is much to be thankful for even while we wait for our heart's desire.

Beautiful post.

ICLW

Carrie27 said...

Beautifully written.

I wish we could all know more and then maybe we wouldn't have all the pain.

April said...

Catching up on everybody's thanksgivings...

this is a great post!

xoxo

Megs said...

Such a wonderful post! I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! :)