Tomorrow marks just 5 weeks from our official due date in August. It has always felt like it's coming, like life is about to hit a new stage for me, my family, my wife and, ultimately, a new life in Luke. But when I look at the date, it is just 5 weeks away! So far away, yet so amazingly close!
It's been about a two year journey for my wife and I. I look back at the events that occured with all of this, and I am amazed at God's provision in my life. He kept saying "You're not quite ready yet, Ben", when I was saying "God, I feel like you're telling me it's time". He said "Keep your faith, son". I kept saying "But I just want to stop if it's not going to happen". I will never forget what a friend, coincidentally named Benjamin, told us one day in a completely unrelated discussion.
We talked about the hope that is spoken of in the Bible. Too often, I think we confuse "hope" with something that God will provide us here on earth, a better life or something like that. But, the hope that is spoken of in the Bible is his gift of eternal life, the ultimate promise. It all relates to Christ. There is no hope without Him.
I'll never forget when I just laid it out with a few men, asking them to pray for me as I just wanted to know that God was in control of us having a baby. I'd always had the gift of faith, so this was seen as something completely unusual. The next day, the very next day, I was on a highway in North Dallas with hundreds of cars around me when I spun completely out of control. I crossed three lanes, then another six lanes, doing a 360 and another 180. I ended up facing oncoming traffic... on a highway!
It was at that moment that he made it known. If he could save me from a massive accident on one of the most dreadful highways called 635, how much more can he oversee in my life! I didn't deserve to be spared of an accident. Much more, he has saved me from my wretched self through Christ on the cross!
Now, God blessed us with a son. He has called us to be parents, to work for his Kingdom through parenthood among many other ways. I can't wait. I have a feeling that Luke may be an athlete. I am confident that he'll love his Momma, hopefully his Daddy. But all I can do is lay his salvation at the foot of the Cross and hope that God reconciles Luke to Himself as he has Rachael and I.
So here's to waiting another 5 weeks. It's been a journey. Reflect on the memories behind us. Strive to be the best we can be for what's ahead. But, most importantly, lay it in God's hands to show us all that we need.
