Labor has begun. There is a combination of emotions for the parents-to be. The anticipation of the birth of their child is exciting. The first eye-to-eye contact with the baby is priceless.
I am teaching first-time parents to prepare for childbirth. My husband and I gave birth to our two children by Lamaze. He was very much involved in the labor and delivery of our babies as my labor coach.
Last week's culmination of a birth-class and another couple halfway on the course, as well as a baby shower I hosted last week for one of the ladies in our small group, got me thinking of another birthing process my family will soon experience in the place God has given us.
Pain is real in birthing. Just like the woman who will soon experience pain when contractions start to come as her labor begins, I expect that we will also experience the "birthing pains" such as discomforts, confusion, the feeling of "losing it" (which pregnant moms in labor feel during the transition phase in labor), and discouragement. And while delivering mothers feel impatient when the baby does not come out yet after an exerted effort while "pushing", I know there will also be times of impatience, long waiting and hopelessness when nothing seems to happen despite all the “pushing” being exerted.
These all sound too negative!
But just like in Lamaze birth, there are comfort measures to counter-act the pain and all the negative feelings.
One major comfort measure is breathing properly and using different kinds of breathing for every stage and phase of labor.
Our God is a breath of fresh air. The Holy Spirit is likened to the wind. When we ”breathe” Him, we will be refreshed, renewed. As the supply of oxygen is replenished every time we breathe, God will also restore blessings, provisions and eliminate stress and worry.
Even writing this realization is like fresh air to me. As we face the challenges of preparing for birthing, I can say, “You are the air I breathe!” and suddenly, inhaling Him deeply releases any tension or stress that get in the way. Just like how the supply of oxygen works to refresh the brain to eliminate any stresses, toxins in the body and lets all organs of the body function well, God’s supply of air will fill my mind and heart with His provision, wisdom and power to carry out His will and see its fruition.
With God’s strength, focus and hardwork I can say that every birth is welcome with delight and joy. It is a special gift.
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