I had a precious friend from college with me this past week and we talked a lot about suffering. We talked about how, as believers, we often fail to encourage/mentor/teach each other to prepare to suffer well. That sounds weird at first, but when I look through scripture, I see a consistent pattern of suffering as a normal and expected part of the life of the believer. Rather than preparing each other for this, we spend much more time trying to pray each other "out of suffering". It seems unusual that I would reflect on this during such a time of joy, but truly, this time of joy has really reminded me that every good and perfect gift is from the Lord. And yet, in this fallen world, it has also impressed on me the potential that exists for such deep suffering. I hope and pray that we have a healthy child and that we live to see him grow old and strong and I don't live in a constant fear of the "what ifs". I have been confronted though, with a desire to learn how to suffer well, expecting that it will be a part of our lives. I want to be found faithful to my Lord all the days of my life, even those marked by suffering.
On a lighter note, I went shopping for the first time today for my son. What fun :-) I will say though, there are so many more cutie girl clothes... That just means I'll have to search more often I guess!! I can't wait to officially join the mommy club, complete with playdates, kids clothing sales/hand-me-downs, and sleepless nights! Here is a little picture of our baby boy! Not to clear because he wouldn't hold still for one second! Precious nonetheless!
