What to expect when you're expecting

By DR. DANIEL L. OVERDORF
Pastor

My wife Carrie is pregnant with our second child. If all goes as planned, the new arrival will make an appearance around Thanksgiving. (Carrie and our three-year-old son are convinced it's a girl; our son wants to name her either "her" or "Tiger Moth." We told him we'd take his ideas under consideration.)

Last night Carrie blew the dust off our copy of "What To Expect When You're Expecting," the classic reference guide for soon-to-be parents. The book describes our baby's progress throughout various stages of the pregnancy. This week he or she weighs about an ounce, and stretches to an astounding three inches.

The book also describes what mothers and fathers can expect throughout the pregnancy physical changes, emotional changes, milestones and struggles. Chapters cover everything from proper snacks to fingernail growth to dealing with an itching belly (hers, of course ... though mine needs a scratch now and then, too).

I glanced in the index, however, and discovered the authors neglected to discuss an important issue. While pregnancy brings an abundance of physical and emotional issues, the process also contains a spiritual dimension that can't be ignored.

Since "What To Expect When You're Expecting" overlooks the spiritual impact of a pregnancy and birth, I thought I'd add a postscript to make an already helpful book even more helpful. If you're expecting a child, you can expect the process to impact you spiritually in at least three ways.

First, expect to experience a new kind of love. When you gather that crying newborn into your arms for the first time, your heart instantly explodes. Amid wails and screams your child's eyes open. At that moment it hits youthis miniature person with ten tiny fingers and ten stubby toes depends on you. Trusts you. Counts on you to provide absolutely everything they need to live. And, it's not just any miniature person, it's your son or daughter, created by God from the love you share with your mate. These previously unexperienced feelings envelop your heart such that you can barely breathe.

Second, expect to understand God's love in a new light. I'll never forget sitting in the hospital room the night after our first child, Peyton, was born. The rest of our family had gone home. Carrie and Peyton, both exhausted, slept. I tried to get comfortable on one of those torturous hospital recliners placed next to Carrie's bed, but to no avail. Finally I gave up on sleep and just watched my son.

He rested in a clear plastic crib, wrapped tight in a cotton blanket. I watched every twitch of his face. Every glint in his swollen eyes. I imagined the first time he'd call me "Daddy." I imagined the first moment he'd truly understand my love for him. My hopes for Peyton soared.

Then the thought struck meGod feels this way about me! His hopes for me soar. He watches every movement, every twitch. He longs for me to call Him "Daddy." He anticipated the day I would first grasp His love for me. God loves me even more than I love my son.

Third, you can expect to pray. It's inevitable. The moment you discover you're pregnant, the prayer almost prays itself, "God protect our child. Keep our baby healthy." As your due date approaches, "God help this delivery to go smoothly. Prevent any complications." As you cuddle your newborn in your arms, "God teach me to be a parent." And again, "Protect my child." Prayer continues through the first steps, first day of school, first broken heart, graduation, and beyond. Even if you've never prayed before, parents pray.

Expect it, when you're expecting.

(Daniel Overdorf is the senior minister of Fayetteville Christian Church, located at New Hope and Hickory Roads in Fayetteville. He may be heard each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as a part of the church's weekly worship. Daniel may be contacted at the church office (770-461-8763) or at fayettevillechristian@juno.com.)