Sophie's Blog

Waking up in the middle of the night to feed Sophie has given me a lot of time to sit and think. She usually gives me about a good 20 minutes to ponder some thoughts; the kind of thoughts that roll around in your head at 3:00 in the morning. Last night my thoughts turned to Christmas and its meaning. Having a baby (especially at this time of the year) makes you think about those things. I am amazed at how much Sophie has made me think about Jesus and his birth. About the struggles Mary had to go through and the precious gift God gave the world on that night so long ago.

When Greg and I found out we were pregnant it was an exciting moment in our life. We wanted to tell everyone, but we were careful to wait until we knew for sure that I would have a safe pregnancy. After our 10 week appointment we happily told everyone our great news. Last night when I thought about this, I thought about Mary and what she went through when she found out she was pregnant. She was surprised, humbled and an obedient servant. But what a risk! She had to tell Joseph that they were having a child that wasn’t his. What a difficult position for her to be in and one I do not envy. Thankfully God intervened and he let Joseph know how special and precious this child would be and that he needed to support Mary and still make her his wife.

As my pregnancy wore on I became more fatigued and thought that it would never end. When I reached my last few weeks I went on leave from work and stayed at home to wait. Unfortunately Mary did not have what I had. Actually, she couldn’t stay at home in her last few weeks but travel with Joseph to Bethlehem. Not a very comfortable ride on the back of a donkey. And while I had the expert and helpful staff at Lakeland Regional to guide me through my labor and delivery, all Mary had was a rough bed and her husband to coach her through.

Then I thought about the fact that I have the great blessing of a child. Something that is so hard to fathom. She is so small and Greg and I have the huge task of taking care of her. She is our biggest responsibility right now. We had so many people give us gifts, toys, and supplies to take care of her. Our needs were met and we appreciate everything that was given to us. Mary had gifts to, although her gifts were altogether different. She had shepherds adoring her child, Angels singing his praises and Wise Men coming from far away to lay down gifts and worship her child. What a magical night for Mary and Joseph. What a wonderful evening!!

Here we are with a normal child, while Mary had an extraordinary one to raise. Becoming a mother has opened my eyes and my heart to the wonderful gift a child can be and the possibilities that every new life can become. I thank God every day for Sophie and for the life we have with Jesus. God has blessed us all this Christmas time. Take a moment (it does not need to be in the middle of the night) to thank God for his gift, his Son and for the life that he has given you as well.

Merry Christmas.

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