As I spend my last precious hours in my hospital stay after having our second child, I thought of what most of us would call the final moments of "peace" and quiet before entering the world of a family of four and a half at home. Peace. I have heard this word so often through church and holidays and even in the news. It is so often thought to be paired with quiet and nothing else going on around us. But, I know it doesn't have to be. What is the peace God speaks of, "My peace I give to you"? John 14:25-27 says, "These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." God's peace is not the peace the world speaks of. As I reflect, not as a Bible scholar in any way, I believe that the peace I am experiencing here with my newborn daughter is not because of the quiet, but because of God's gifts. He has given us Himself along with so many other lesser blessings. I know that God has given her to me along with my precious 2 year old son waiting at home. I know that I can have this peace at home despite the frequent need there will be to protect this newborn from an excited toddler and the disciplinary issues that must be addressed with him, the chores that will need to be completed, the healing that still needs to continue on my body after having this baby, etc. Peace will be found in knowing God has given me these blessings and when I embrace them as such, I will know His peace. Most likely, that peace will not come in quiet moments. In fact, I do not want to have to wait for quiet moments to have it since there will not be many. I will need it constantly. My prayer now, as I sit in the quiet, is that I will see His peace amidst the chaos and to-do's. I am entering a new job: Mommy of 2 and Housewife. I am thrilled to welcome this new chapter, but wanting to use this blessing in a way pleasing to the Lord. So, I pray for His peace to be welcomed into our home in the joys and trials that we face.
In other peace-filled reflection, has anyone ever told you how special these days in the hospital are with your newborn? Yes you are in recovery and having some discomfort, but to have so much one-on-one time getting to know your newborn and she getting-to-know you is such an amazing time. I want to always remember the feeling of her eyes briefly staying open long enough to make sure it is that same face looking into hers--her mommy. I want to always remember the feeling of snuggling with a newborn while it snows outside (the first snowfall of our winter). I want to remember the coos and the soft cries as she gets used to the outside world. Life is amazing. Creation is amazing. Our God has created a life and it is unique and on loan to our family. May we care for her in a way that is pleasing to Him.
