The Stork is Landing, I repeat...

Well, we are at the hospital awaiting our first child. My wife is in the jacuzzi, relaxing, just waiting for everything to get crazy before William is introduced to the world. I'm reflecting on my life. At this point, on the curb of the street called parenthood, I can see how it is possibly tempting to look back and wonder why I ever thought life was hard. Wouldn't it be nice to go back to that time with the new perspective of "this is easy"? But we press forward, and we have no choice but to keep going. I love where I am at in life, I love the good times and I'm thankful for the hard times. It is going to be really hard for us in a little bit, financially, emotionally, and physically. I can feel the cold fingers of panic creep up my back, and I can sense the dread develop in my gut when I consider our road ahead. But the one thing I keep telling myself is to be excited, not scared, and to be relaxed, not stressed. Being able to look at rain and see the growth it stimulates instead of the depressing mood it conveys is a discipline. I look at my life-to-come and I choose to see opportunity instead of hardship. I see experience and growth instead of pain and regret. This is one of the many ways where we can influence how we feel by how we think. I helped my wife out of the tub and into the bed again and she is learning to focus on breathing during her contractions. Predetermining a focal point for her was a necessary tool in helping her through the pain and stress and fear. When she needs it, I am right there for her to focus on. When she sees me she knows I will be her metronome for her breathing and the emotional support she needs for the stress. She doesn't worry about those things. Her job is simple at that point. Follow me. I've got you. Our walk with Christ is the same way. If He is our focal point then our job is simple, no matter how difficult it is. Follow Him. We can do anything when we have the right support and direction. Well, that's a bit from my life right now. The wife is sleeping (as best she can) and the nurse is quietly coming in and out and William's heart beat is playing through the monitor. Soon I will see the body to that beat! =) God Bless!