Did That Really Just Happen?

Somehow this week seems very much the same as it did this time last year … a stomach bug swept through the house, we celebrated a birthday and we smiled a lot! So, as I sip my coffee this morning I invite you to remember that weekend about this time last year. (Minus the stomach bug, of course!) …

Surprise!

It all started with a stomach bug. On Wednesday our daughter, Annah, opted out of breakfast after she threw up her orange juice. For a mother that initiates a cycle that includes an advanced heart rate, a frantic reach for the can of Lysol and incessant hand washing. We made it through the day without another episode, so I decided maybe she just ate too much toothpaste and called it a night. The night proved shorter than I imagined.

A 1 a.m. wake up call from our sick 4-year old, Micah, tossed the “toothpaste” theory out the window. After a couple of visits to the bathroom Micah settled into his new bed on the floor in our bedroom while visions of germs danced through my head.

Thursday, I cleaned. I washed clothes, towels, sheets and comforters. I disinfected sofas, beds, pillows, light switches and doorknobs. I wiped floors and walls. So when I woke up Friday morning aching and hurting all over, I blamed my obsessive cleaning. Twelve hours later, and still no relief from the pain, we hit the road to the hospital. With Luke and the Saints scheduled to leave for Florida the next day for an away game, we figured better to be safe than sorry. Good thing we did!

We welcomed our daughter, Leah Denise at 8:09 a.m., Saturday, September 14. What a beauty!

Luke loved on his little girl then packed a suitcase and flew to Tampa. Leah and I spent a quiet weekend at the hospital. The rest of the crew visited a few times. Leah knew their voices. The first time her brothers and sister walked in the room Leah opened her eyes excited to meet them! Mama smiled.

With all that quiet time I did more thinking than I have in years. One afternoon my mind wandered to all the steps that brought us here. I counted how many doctors I’d seen and the different places I delivered all my babies. This makes four different hospitals, doctors and cities. Praise the Lord Luke held my hand through every birth, but I have to say I started to feel a little proud of myself. Right after I internally declared, “I rock!” my thoughts drifted to Mary. You know, Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Mary, the one who traveled about 80 miles while big and pregnant. And though no one can say for sure exactly how she traveled, we know it wasn’t in a climate-controlled car or RV. Mary, who arrived at her destination and didn’t move in to a conveniently located rental home, instead she birthed her baby and laid him in a manger. Hmmm. I think if I were Mary I’d roll my eyes and say, “Toughen up, sweetie.”

I smiled, thankful God doesn’t compare me to anyone else, but also very aware of how different a situation can appear based on what you stack it up against. It creates blessing or burden, rest or restlessness. It certainly put me in my place and sent me searching for a go-to verse to store away anytime I find myself tempted to focus on the strain rather than the supply:

I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13 (ESV)

I know that’s how Mary did it. I know that’s how you and I can do it – whatever “it” may be!

And now, one year later, we fight sickness yet again. Same week, go figure! But the verse in Philippians rings in my ears and I smile knowing, it is better to give than to receive.

Leah’s learning to walk and talk. She says “No, no, no,” to her brothers and loves to sit close to Daddy. And, despite sick stomachs, we managed to squeeze in time for cupcakes. Happy Birthday, Leah!