Mental: Hello in there! Boy aren’t you just having a good ol’ time flipping all over the place? Thanks for moving around, Bennett. It’s so comforting. Now kick for your daddy. Don’t play hard to get.
I was asked yesterday if it feels “weird” when I feel Bennett move. Nah. It feels more “right” instead.
Emotional: Well, clearly that depends on the day.
If you read my post about this past Monday, you’d think I was a wreck. But I’ve got to say that getting that day off of my chest really helped me to keep it all in perspective as opposed to letting my emotional tension haunt me.
So overall the emotional mood of the week is contentment sprinkled with a small percentage of meltdown.
Spiritual: For as long as I can remember, I’ve been able to chant to myself, “I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances.” This actually was written by Paul in the book of Philippians, chapter 4.
(11) Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatsoever situation I am to be content. (12) I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (13) I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
What’s interesting is that Paul isn’t merely referring to times of struggle, but he’s also acknowledging that he knows how to be content in times of abundant blessing. I never really paid attention to that until I found myself feeling exposed and vulnerable instead of content as the blessings in my life began to obviously mount before my – and everyone else’s’ – eyes. What a strange thing to feel embarrassed instead of content over having plenty!
My heart has told on me. I still worry about what other people think. But I’m working on it. I’m working on getting comfortable with being content in the Lord, but allowing material possessions into my life with thanksgiving and not expectation, with gratitude and not with a fear that I’ll be judged as materialistic.
Strangely enough, I found the greatest comfort for my twisted turmoil when I discovered that in another letter, Paul made request for some material possessions himself!
2 Timothy 4:11, 13 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. …When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.
Ah ha! For the specific ministry that Paul was called into, though he was a content man, he, too, had his own little “registry”! So if my ministry is going to be changing sometime around October 30th, then I suppose it’s okay that I might appreciate the usefulness of some different sort of goodies, too.
Physical: Big, fat praise: Yesterday was the first day after eleven days that I didn’t notice any back pain. Waaaaa-hoooooo!
Bennett must be hitting a growth spurt or something because I am super-de-duper exhausted in my feet this week. In fact, just so that my toesies didn’t have to hit the floor this morning, Brian has been kind enough to bring me my laptop, my purse and a very specific breakfast in bed.
In other physical news, I went an entire week without washing my hair and it still didn’t look oily. Interesting…
And, oh yeah, I was almost manhandled by a coworker two days ago when she realized that I rode my bike to work that morning. I mean, come on, it was only like a mile and it felt good. That’s the most exercise I’ve gotten since hurting my back. (Not that my goal was exercise. Brian needed the car.) But I was excited that I could still do it. I think it’s easy to assume that when you’re pregnant, you can’t. But there are a lot of things that still fall under the I CAN category if I’m not too chicken to try.
IMPORTANT NOTE: AS YOU ALL KNOW, EVERYONE’S INVITED TO REVIEW THE BABY SHOWER POST AND SAVE A DATE. THERE HAS, HOWEVER, BEEN A CHANGE TO THE DATE/TIME OF THE MCKINLEY/PIECH HOSTED BABY SHOWER. PLEASE NOTE THAT IT’S ON THE 19TH, NOT THE 12TH, OF AUGUST! (Sorry if this messes up any plans.)
PS: I interviewed my friend, Dan Smith, from Listener yesterday, but I think the site was having problems. Go check out the interview after you enjoy remembering Wooden Heart.
I am so jealous that you went a whole week without washing your hair. I am anxiously awaiting tomorrow afternoon so I can wash my hair. Paul likes the curly look. 🙂
I’m glad that you aren’t having the back pain anymore! Yay! Also glad that Brian is taking such good care of my lil’ sister. 🙂 Thanks Brian!
So happy that you are not having anymore back pain! And, ditto what Mandy said about Brian. 🙂
So glad your back is pain free.
As for materialism, registries don’t count. Most of what is received for a new babe is necessities. You
may have a lot but chances are you have not stocked
many infant necessities in your cupboards. In addition,there must be somewhere in the bible (I know I am ignorant on the subject, sorry) stating the
blessing you give others by allowing them to do for you, To begrudge/deprive another from happiness should be a sin if it isn’t. Seriously!
Yes, that actually had also crossed my mind. I condensed the blog post to keep it from being novel length. But yeah, 2 Corinthians 9:11 states “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” That says to me that the gifts that we possess – gifts of hospitality, encouragement, time, resources, etc. – are bestowed upon us for the purpose of us turning around and being generous with them. And if we’re to be generous with them, then there needs to be a recipient out there somewhere!
Awesome! To no more back pain! Off the subject…..but something fun to look forward to……Ethan is having his 3rd sleep over and this time its with 2 friends and they are all sleeping on an ait mattress together. Remember sleepovers? Of course you do, at least a little. And someday Bennett will have one and you will enjoy it and go back a couple times reminding them ” It’s bedtime!”. But they probably won’t make cricket noises while rubbing their legs together like some girls I know.
U didnt mention what u were wearing while riding ur bike to work!