A Bit of Wisdom

Reverb prompt of the day: Wisdom.  What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?

When I was growing up, my parents taught me that true wisdom is viewing situations from God's perspective.  So, as I think back over 2010, the situation I am most grateful I chose to have a God-centered focus came in early January.  Josh and I went in to my obstetrician's office for the big gender-reveal ultrasound and, in addition to finding out the thrilling news that we were having a boy, we heard some concerning news.  The doctor informed us that Liam's umbilical cord only had two vessels and, as we learned, they are supposed to have three.  The doctor told us that generally this is not an issue, but because it can sometimes be associated with "chromosomal abnormalities" she wanted us to go to a specialist in a city a couple of hours away to have a more involved ultrasound.

I don't completely remember my response to this news.  I know I was shocked, because I just expected the excitement of finding out our baby's gender and hadn't considered that something might not be quite right.  I also know I was calm - like I said, the doctor didn't seem overly worried.  Regardless of the emotions I was experiencing, in the two weeks in between this ultrasound and the one with the specialist, Josh and I were faced with the decision of how we would choose to deal with the uncertainty and how we would pray for our son.  Although I longed for my son to be healthy and to develop 'normally', I began to realize that those wishes were in no way the deepest longings of my heart in regard to him.  God began to form in my heart prayers that my son would have the opportunity to know Him and love Him - that His life would glorify Him.  As harsh or strange as it might sound, I began to realize that it was more important to me that my son's life testify to the goodness and faithfulness of God than for his life to be healthy or full of years.

As it turned out, Liam made a whole and healthy entrance into the world.  He continues to grow and develop in amazing and delightful ways.  I am SO THANKFUL that God granted us this incredible blessing, but I hope that I am able to remain focused what is truly important and that, as Liam gets older, I will continue to love him with an open heart and desire God's plans for him more than my own.

And, just for kicks ...

This is currently his favorite face to make when he's trying to get us to laugh at him.  I always oblige.