They say that everything changes when you have your third child. Perhaps the third child helps a mom develop grace, not just for her children, but for herself, too.
Ellie means “bright shining one”. When I found out I was pregnant, we were in the midst of renovating our house, navigating work challenges, building relationships, and trying to find our place of ministry in East Texas. Life was a whirlwind, and, while we were so excited for our family to grow, the thought of a baby seemed a bit surreal. Eventually, Matt accepted a new job offer, we sold our house, and, at four months pregnant, I packed up our home and we moved into an apartment in a not so small town in Texas. In the fall, we started homeschooling our eldest, my gestational diabetes worsened, and it seemed like our baby would never arrive.
And then she did.
It was a picturesque autumn evening; the sky was ablaze with a vibrant sunset as I checked into the hospital to be induced. Based on how my induction went with Ezra, I assumed that I would be holding my baby the next day. Well my assumption proved to be inaccurate. After a 26 hour long induction, Ellie finally arrived. When the midwife placed her on my chest, she asked, “What’s his name?”
“Um, Elisha,” I replied, exhausted and feeling as if something wasn’t right.
“Oh wait! It’s actually a girl! I hadn’t checked,” the midwife exclaimed with a laugh.
26 hours of pain. 26 hours of increased medical interventions and a growing fear that the delivery would go awry. 26 hours of wondering if I had made the right decision to be induced five days before my baby’s due date. 26 hours of witnessing God’s goodness.
At 12:36am, I held my daughter for the first time. Almost instantly, those nine months faded into the background as I snuggled this child whom God had entrusted to me and Matt.
There are some parts of 2022 that I would have avoided if I could have. However, amid the trauma that 2022 held, a miracle arrived. In the midst of darkness, Ellie reminded us of God’s power, faithfulness, and kindness. Despite the challenges that her life might hold, I pray that my daughter continues to shine bright, fearlessly and graciously guiding people towards Jesus, the source of all light.
Daffodils and Diapers 