A Whole New World

As we wait for our baby to be born, we are faced with some complications these last weeks. Some rare conditions and some not so rare mean that this baby will be the most monitored and watched baby in the last weeks inside the womb that I have ever had. Twice a week we will have a peek inside to check that he is happily rolling around and growing. My blood will be tested regularly to keep sure my body is a safe haven for him as he puts on the pounds. I must admit that last night it frightened and overwhelmed me, all this intrusion in what I longed to be a quiet and peaceful preparation for his birth. The thought of multiple weekly doctor/midwife visits over the last bit of Advent and through the Christmas season seems like such an intrusion in this holy season.

I know God is teaching me something. It is no coincidence that his due date is February 2, the Feast of the Presentation. I know He is calling me to reflect on the journey, long and tiring, that Our Lady took so close to the birth of her sweet son. I know there is a lesson in recalling the harsh circumstances into which Our Savior was born. There was little peace for the Holy Family as they then fled to a strange land to protect the greatest gift our world has ever received. So as I venture into this foreign land, I will keep the Holy Family with me. I will pray for the grace to bear all these things with the quiet fortitude Our Lady showed in all circumstances. In the end, the joy awaiting me at the end, holding my son in my arms, is worth any struggle. Even through the Christmas season, I can ponder the joy and triumph of the Cross.