Yesterday was quite the “special” day.
Notice how I put “special” in quotes… Because that is my 38-week pregnancy sarcasm shining through.
Now, this isn’t a pregnancy blog by a long shot, but that IS my current season of life. And as we have established over the last few years, God has a way of speaking to us in our everyday moments– the good, the bad, and the painful.
Long story probably still long: Yesterday, we spent some quality time in the hospital, per midwife’s orders, because I was having legit, organized, consistent and painful contractions.
We are talking like several consistent hours of contractions, 3-4 minutes apart and 90+ seconds in duration.
It totally looked like the real deal… We were excited (and sort of relieved) that Baby-go-time was potentially up on us. The bags were in the car, we were ready to make things happen.
Unfortunately, other important body parts necessary for birthing a Tiny Human didn’t agree. Hence, why I am at home today writing this blog. (It’s probably a therapeutic way to vent my slight frustration at the situation.)
After yesterday’s emotional/physical shenanigans, I have a few thoughts on the topic of “False labor.”
1. If contractions are going to be consistent and painful, I firmly believe they should be productive. (Yes, I know that they are “preparing” my body for “real labor” but seriously… I need to see some tangible fruit here, people.)
2. Although this experience was super exhausting and overall frustrating, it was made a teeny tiny bit more bearable because I got to wear (and receive compliments) on my “Kansas Day” Sunflower Lularoe leggings at the hospital. (Hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.)
3. I really wanted to “blame” someone for yesterday. (Not rational, but try telling that to my pregnant brain.) Obviously, I didn’t want to be a heifer to my Beloved Husband. I didn’t want to be a jerkface to the nurses and doctors, because they were honest, up front and competent. Being angry at myself (or Jesus) would just bum me out. So I decided to be ticked off at Eve for eating that fruit and causing “pains of childbirth to be multiplied.” (Again, don’t question my rationality. Just go with it. #EmotionallyVolatile)
4. God really DOES have a sense of humor. Why you ask? Because my devotional this morning referenced Romans 8:22-23: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” Coincidence? I think not. #LeSigh #HeardYaJesus
5. You know that saying, “If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck?” Yeah, that *usually* applies, but apparently not all the time in pregnancy or labor/delivery…
6. Or in faith. As my body/mind FINALLY settled down yesterday, I started to think about all of the things in our faith that can look/feel/sound like the real deal, but in the end turn out to be more false than true… Think about all of the Llama-llama-super-drama about all things political lately… Or general articles posted/shared on social media… or some of the shaky doctrine that people try to pass off as genuine in our churches.
That last thought seems a little intimidating or overwhelming. And summoning the energy to discern the real deal versus all things false… Man, that’s like a full-time job in itself. Fortunately, just like yesterday walking the halls of the hospital, God doesn’t leave us on our own in moments of confusion, frustration or pain. He helps us through it, showing us the way to go, what’s real and what’s false… Even if sometimes the answer is a little bit less than desirable.
So, my dear readers, if you are in a season of confusion or pain, know that all you have to do is ask and God will (eventually) help you to see Truth. Just breathe through it, know He sees and hears you… and Trust Him.
One breath at a time,
“My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of child birth until Christ is formed in you…” ~Galatians 4:19
