Baby Joy

Remembering our son Elisha Job's birth a year ago on June 9th, 2014 . . .

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

John 16:21

After the rush of the good news . . .


The days of waiting, heavy--


Heavy with child, heavy with wonder, heavy with anticipation and fears and hope and trust.

And the last days, so full of joy and expectancy, so full--

Until the hour comes, the bubble bursts, the swollen stomach contracts to release its tiny passenger into the world, and the womb empties itself in blood and sweat and pain--

And then joy.


The woman forgets her long months of aching muscles, tired back, swollen feet.


She holds a precious baby in her arms and sings the lullabies of the Savior to its heart, and she rejoices.


Rejoices as the baby sleeps against her warm skin, drinking in the delightful newness and freshness of the newborn, soft and clean and real.

She laughs and the long months are forgotten. The time of waiting.


Her hour completed, she holds her reward, and breathes the melody of love.

You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth, Inspire Me Monday, The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, SDG Gathering, A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, Motivate and Rejuvenate Mondays, So Much at Home, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every Season, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, Testimony Tuesday, Tell His Story, A Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Women With Intention Wednesdays, Messy Marriage, The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Theology Thursdays, Children Are A Blessing, Mittenstate Sheep and Wool, Imparting Grace, Preparedness Mama, A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Thought Provoking Thursday, Every Day Jesus, Count My Blessings, Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul Survival, Good Morning Mondays, The Weekend Brew, Blessing Counters Link Party, The HomeAcre Hop, Mommy Moments Link Up, Grace and Truth Linkup, Faith Filled Friday, Saturday Soiree Blog Party, Tell It To Me Tuesdays, SHINE Blog Hop, Faith and  Fellowship Blog Hop, Motivate and Rejuvenate Monday Link-Up, A Little R&R Wednesdays. TGI Saturdays Blog Hop. Totally Terrific Tuesday