CALVARY CHAPEL OF PALM HARBOR WOMEN'S MINISTRY

A Lesson in Waiting

“for Olivia”

Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors..

Proverbs 8:34 NKJV

Waiting-  to remain or wait in expectation.  Being and remaining ready and available for use.(dictionary.com)

In this day and age of instant gratification my family has been enduring a lesson in waiting.  My first daughter, Rachel, is expecting her first daughter any day now and though the time is short before her arrival the journey to get to this place has been long and emotional in every sense of the word. 

Being a mom of seven and never having to endure fertility issues during my childbearing years, I would of never thought one of my own would have to struggle in this way.  Though Rachel has not had as rough a time as some, we have heard many stories, she has still had her share of the thoughts; “where is my baby, Lord?” and “why don’t You give me an opportunity to be someone’s mother?”  Seemed everyone around her; sister in law, cousins and friends were expecting, some even unplanned surprises, and here she is waiting her turn trying to be patient but wanting so badly a baby of her own to fill her arms.

My heart has been broken over this issue for her for the past 2 or 3 years, my words would try to encourage her, but my heart was wrestling with God’s will for her, I had to learn to trust Him too.  There was that possibility that she may never have a baby because it is a reality of life, but that was a thought I just didn’t want to entertain.

I don’t think she is aware of the many tears I have shed or the prayers I have prayed for this moment.  I had to give all my hurts and disappointments to Him and of course the understanding ear of my husband and a few close friends.  I never wanted to waiver in my encouragement or stand on trusting God to her, but to get there I had to put myself in His hands too, and had to learn to wait.

Waiting is not easy, and as I type this out we are still waiting on the arrival of Olivia, because wonders of wonders she is late, according to us J.  Olivia has gone past her projected due date, so here we are waiting still.  It is easy for me to sit in the backseat on this one and tell my daughter, “don’t worry that baby will be in your arms soon” but again hard for her to hear as she patiently waits for her precious little Olivia. 

But what is one week compared to the past two or three years. 

God has not brought us this far to leave things undone, He will bring His task to completion.  And this baby girl will soon be that welcomed addition to our family that we have all endured the wait for and my daughter’s arms will finally be full!  When the day arrives we will rejoice over God’s goodness and faithfulness as we waited on Him.  The pain of the wait may be quickly forgotten, but not the faithfulness of God.  He has given us all a lesson in waiting and trusting Him as He brings His plans to completion. 

So Olivia… here we all are, waiting on you…

Mommy and Olivia (born 1/14/09)