It’s been a week of perseverance. No, make that a season of perseverance.
As Paul reminds me in Romans 5:4, “perseverance develops character; and character, hope.” Well, I can tell you that I have more character than the Disney Channel and Cartoon Network combined. :) It was a tough week and it’s been a challenging season. We’ve been stretched and pushed in such uncomfortable ways that we’d give Stretch Armstrong competition. Still, with all the discomfort, we have been developing perseverance and we end this week full of hope!
Let me give you the three-day ssstretchhh:
As Paul reminds me in Romans 5:4, “perseverance develops character; and character, hope.” Well, I can tell you that I have more character than the Disney Channel and Cartoon Network combined. :) It was a tough week and it’s been a challenging season. We’ve been stretched and pushed in such uncomfortable ways that we’d give Stretch Armstrong competition. Still, with all the discomfort, we have been developing perseverance and we end this week full of hope!
Let me give you the three-day ssstretchhh:
On Tuesday, a birthmom was scheduled to view our family profile along with other profiles. That meeting did not take place because she was at the hospital dilated at 4 centimeters. All I wanted to do was start packing. It was clear this baby was coming sooner than expected!
We found out early Wednesday that it was not active labor. The birthmom had since been released from the hospital and had the profiles. I was so excited! Then that evening, we learned she was scheduled to speak with one of the other waiting families. It was likely, we were told, that she would choose them. At first my heart sank with this news. I was incredibly disappointed and sad. Still, we’re all on the same team (Yea Team Adoption!) and I couldn’t help but be filled with joy for this waiting family.
That evening was long, but Thursday was longer. I had several students ask me if I was pregnant… they had heard from another student that it was true. Zing! This was poor timing for sure. After addressing that situation and making it through most of the evening, we received confirmation that the birthmother had matched with the waiting family. I was more prepared by then, but it still hurt to hear “not yet.”
In those moments, it can be a challenge to see past the present circumstances and not feel hurt. I certainly struggled to overcome them this week, just ask my poor husband who continues to try to understand this emotional female. :)
As I write this today, I am content and full of hope! Praise God for His presence and encouragement during these days and through this season. I know I am stronger and I have the perseverance- the determination, grit, and spunk- to keep on this journey! I’m including the lyrics to Kirk Franklin’s song “Afterwhile.”
We found out early Wednesday that it was not active labor. The birthmom had since been released from the hospital and had the profiles. I was so excited! Then that evening, we learned she was scheduled to speak with one of the other waiting families. It was likely, we were told, that she would choose them. At first my heart sank with this news. I was incredibly disappointed and sad. Still, we’re all on the same team (Yea Team Adoption!) and I couldn’t help but be filled with joy for this waiting family.
That evening was long, but Thursday was longer. I had several students ask me if I was pregnant… they had heard from another student that it was true. Zing! This was poor timing for sure. After addressing that situation and making it through most of the evening, we received confirmation that the birthmother had matched with the waiting family. I was more prepared by then, but it still hurt to hear “not yet.”
In those moments, it can be a challenge to see past the present circumstances and not feel hurt. I certainly struggled to overcome them this week, just ask my poor husband who continues to try to understand this emotional female. :)
As I write this today, I am content and full of hope! Praise God for His presence and encouragement during these days and through this season. I know I am stronger and I have the perseverance- the determination, grit, and spunk- to keep on this journey! I’m including the lyrics to Kirk Franklin’s song “Afterwhile.”
Afterwhile, afterwhile
This too shall pass afterwhile
Scars will heal, you'll love again
It won't hurt you afterwhile
It won't hurt afterwhile
Stuck between if and when, my, my
You prayed and tried but still no end
God's purpose soon you'll understand
It won't hurt you afterwhile
It won't hurt you afterwhile
Afterwhile, afterwhile
This too shall pass afterwhile
Scars will heal, you'll love again
It won't hurt afterwhile
So when the pain has come to end
And now your heart is whole again
Help someone who needs to know
That it won't hurt them afterwhile
It won't hurt them afterwhile
It won't hurt them afterwhile
This too shall pass afterwhile
Scars will heal, you'll love again
It won't hurt you afterwhile
It won't hurt afterwhile
Stuck between if and when, my, my
You prayed and tried but still no end
God's purpose soon you'll understand
It won't hurt you afterwhile
It won't hurt you afterwhile
Afterwhile, afterwhile
This too shall pass afterwhile
Scars will heal, you'll love again
It won't hurt afterwhile
So when the pain has come to end
And now your heart is whole again
Help someone who needs to know
That it won't hurt them afterwhile
It won't hurt them afterwhile
It won't hurt them afterwhile
Its lyrics share that the “hurt” is temporary and when healing takes place (and it will get better!), help someone who needs to know that it won’t always hurt. So, if you’re out there hurting, please know that it’s temporary. And in your distress, your Father in Heaven is distressed for you (Isaiah 63:9). He cares for you and me more than we’ll ever be able to understand. He’s got this.
In love,
Beth
Other Adoption Tidbits:
In love,
Beth
Other Adoption Tidbits:
- Craig demonstrated his perseverance and read the car seat manual in its entirety!
- We picked up new closet doors for the nursery! Goodbye funky sliding doors- you won’t be missed.
- The last two pictures are ready to be hung and then, the nursery should be completely decorated!
