Almost three years ago, on a beautiful winter afternoon, my dad walked me down the aisle to give me away to the man who captured my heart. On that day, we stood before our family and friends and made a covenant with God and each other that we would walk with each other "in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health".
I distinctly recall the moment that we were asked if we would "accept children lovingly from God". My answer came in the form of a little chuckle, barely getting out the "We Do."
I remember having two thoughts at that moment. First, that this was the beginning of what I had always dreamed of in life. The beginning of my precious family- me, my husband, and my multitude of children. I remember thinking that I was finally at that place that I had always felt created to be- a wife and then a mother. My second thought was "Lord, please send them (children) slow and steady! We don't want them all at one time!"
Oh, to have the moment back. Oh, to not have been so naive as to think that it would just happen like that.
I never imagined that this would be my path. Our path.
I adore my husband. He walks this path right next to me, and he does so heroically. This is our path. Together.
I assumed that the first three years of our marriage would be filled with crying children, I just never assumed that the crying child would be me. I assumed that I would be kept up at night tending to a child that needed its mother, I never assumed that I would be the one who spent my evenings crying out to my Father.
It's funny how infertility affects you. I used to go to weddings and be in awe of the love of the couple, the beauty of the dress, the amazement of the covenant. I participated in the wedding of one of my dearest friends this summer, and spent the entire time praying for one thing: their fertility. I begged God, with tears in my eyes, that He would spare them the pain I've felt for the past two and a half years, that their hearts would never ache because of the emptiness that infertility brings. I can't wait to meet their child next April - an answer to the prayer I offered on their wedding day.
I have faith that infertility will not be my life forever. That one day my months will no longer be counted in cycle days and baby shower announcements won't induce a raging panic attack. I have faith that one day baby bumps will not send me into a deep dark hole and that friends will no longer avoid you for fear of you dropping the "I" bomb. No, I do not believe that this will be life forever. This is just a season.
I believe that God's "no" to me and my husband means that He has a greater "yes" for us right now.
A greater "yes"- Can you imagine?


This is a beautiful reflection! I will add you to my intention list!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed by you! I usually have to try to have that kind of happiness when my friends get pregnant; it is sometimes hard for me, but I'm working on it! I look back on my naive days too, and think: how nice it was to be that person! Beautiful reflection.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in my prayers that your miracle is around the corner. I, too, struggled with infertility (and miscarriage) in my first three years of marriage when all my friends were (seemingly) easily getting pregnant and having children. Now I am the mother of four beautiful children (three of which were conceived using Clomid - #4 was our surprise!). God has a plan for you. It may not be the plan you expected, but it is exactly what He intends for you. God bless you with patience, courage, and hope for the future!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are going through and pray that you may have your precious miracle soon!
ReplyDelete