While venturing into a neglected dresser drawer, I was swept back 28 years ago as I removed this from a bundle of papers tucked away from my memory. I have no idea which pregnancy I obtained this pregnancy wheel, but somehow I had saved it for future use or keepsake.
At the excited young age of twenty-one, I stepped into the OB/GYN's office for my first pre-natal visit. I would return to this office for four more pregnancies and bring back three newborns. This Christian doctor and his associates would walk me through two miscarriages, two normal and one long, multiple hospital-stay pregnancies. God would use them to keep a young wife of 21 from giving up on having a family.
I am sure the nurse turned this dial (as it would be turned eight more times in my life) to predict the due date of our firstborn. I left the office with the excitement of most newly expectant mothers, while preparing to celebrate my second anniversary as Mrs. Wright. This pregnancy would not result in a infant here on earth and the baby went home to be with the Lord on our anniversary weekend. The wise doctor would comfort us at the hospital and then send us home to wait for recovery... before trying again.
For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb, I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works...Ps. 139:13-14
We would be pregnant again in three months and excitement filled the air, as we prepared for our new family by building a house. The pregnancy went well, but the heartbeat wasn't detected as early as they can today. So, we cautiously walked forward in anticipation of a baby. We walked through 12 weeks... then I went into labor. The ambulance was called and if there ever was an angelic appearance here on earth, I saw it that night. The paramedic walked through our newly-built home's front door, across the den with his equipment in hand, to my side at the couch. As he approached, he remembered we were members of his church. This man, in his forties, dropped to his knees and started to pray. God so lovingly sent a Christian believer to scoop me up into my Lord's healing hands. Our trip to the hospital again left us empty-handed. Again, the doctor encouraged, while others suggested we adopt.
Three months later, with a grin on his face, my doctor used the pregnancy wheel to predict the due date of our first earthly birth. The paramedic that had prayed at my side would also be at our side for this child's dedication. The rest is history. We would have three more children under the care of this Christian doctor and four more pregnancies and three births under the care of Christian midwives.
Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; The fruit of the womb is a reward, Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Ps. 127:3-4
I have used this pregnancy wheel and my biological clock to the fullest...age 21 to age 44!! God's hand of miracles followed us through many ups and downs of having children. The biological clock has now begun to tick to her end.
I wake up at night, not from a newborn or teenagers, but from my body changing. My regular season-of-life system now has a mind of it's own. Body parts that never hurt can scream in pain over nothing. Hormones...well, they can be bigger monsters than a crying pregnant woman, or post-natal mother.
The season is changing...one door is permanently closing, while another waits to be opened. I hear this is one of the most productive seasons of a woman's life. Mary Kay of Mary Kay Cosmetics started her company in this stage of life. They say our mind becomes more alert...well, that would be good because some days I can't remember my pin numbers. I hear the best is yet to come!
I look forward to this new season of life and all it has to offer... while I put the pregnancy wheel down and look back over God's faithfulness to a young girl of 21 who just wanted to have a family. I am amazed at the journey God has taken us on....especially the journey of having our little one at age 44... what a precious gift. I think I will put the wheel in my scrapbook with the words, "God is Faithful" inscribed below.
Happy Mother's Day!
Thanks for stopping by! - Janette
Thanks for stopping by! - Janette
