Day 4

No sugar or dairy

Happy Labor Day!

This “holiday” always draws me back to 1985! Thirty-two years ago! It was one of the most awesome events of my life. I had been up most of the night feeling pangs, nevertheless, as morning rolled around, I sent my dear hubby off to work without saying too much. After all, it was about a week early so I wasn’t for sure. I called a friend up to bring her daughter just in case I needed someone to watch our 2-year-old.  My friend monitored me for a bit and then encouraged me to at least get checked out at the hospital. I was dilated enough where they wanted to keep me, and so they proceeded to call down to the kitchen, where my hubby was busy washing dishes. As he strolls into the room, he’s surprised to see me being prepped to have a baby. But I still had a few centimeters to go, so he ran back down to wash a few more dishes before getting a call to head back up, it was time! Since my doctor was enjoying a Labor Day picnic, I had a different doctor deliver our little bundle. Laboring on Labor Day, such fond memories.

Yet, laboring and suffering are all a part of this fallen world. The Bible tells us over and over not to be surprised. And still, I find that we are surprised when we encounter such events that call for faith to be exercised.

For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us (Romans 5:2-4, [The Living Bible]).

Oh Lord, help me to have a confident faith that is strong and steady. My heart’s desire is to have strength of character with a discerning taste. Create that thirst for a relationship with You, and take the cravings of my heart, especially as my mouth waters for a chocolate shake from CFA, and replace them with a well-spring of water that bubbles up. In your most gracious and Holy name, Amen.