Thursday, October 22, 2009

Teachability, Patience, and Humility

As an opinionated and vocal woman, why does it surprise me that everyone has their own opinion to share, especially when you’re pregnant?  Over the past few weeks I’ve realized that everyone knows exactly what pregnant women should or shouldn’t eat, how they should exercise, what techniques will be best for labor, how to nurse, and even what toys we should or shouldn’t allow our baby to play with.  Funny enough, few people have the same opinion and everyone seems to contradict one another.  Whether the advice comes from a doctor, a friend without children, a friend with 5 children, a popular book, or another pregnant woman, I am still thankful for the variety of advice I am getting.  I appreciate that my family, friends, and doctors care enough about me to share what has worked for them and others they know.

So now, after expressing my gratitude, I also ask for your prayers.   As Josh and I prepare for our little one, we will be making many decisions that will affect our family in a variety of ways.  Pray that we will continue to be teachable and listen to the advice and wisdom that so many want to share with us.  Josh and I have been praying that the Lord will give us discernment. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but the Lord knows our every need so we pray that He will help us to make decisions that are best for our family.  Secondly, I ask that you pray for us to have patience.  With so many people asking us to consider a way that worked for them, it can be difficult to respectfully disagree with someone or explain that we would prefer not to take that specific route.  I hope the Lord will continue to allow Josh and I to express our thankfulness in how an individual is demonstrating their love for us.  Finally, please pray for us to have humility.  It is difficult to not become prideful or defensive about things we have already made decisions about when others clearly disagree.  Since I was a young girl I have always helped care for infants, toddlers, and young children. The majority of my friends already have children so I think it is safe to say that I am not naive about babies and children; however, pray that I will continue to realize I always have more to learn.

Proverbs 11:2  When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Colossians 3:12  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

2 comments:

  1. Well, MY advice is to take everyone's "advice" with a grain of salt:) Every nurse in the hospital told me to do something different about the same issues. You will know your baby and some things come through trial and error. Enjoy the journey and your baby...love you!

    Julie Wright

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  2. Amanda, I just read your blog and I will pray for you and Josh as you make big decisions. God is blessing you with this child and He knows you will take care of the baby. You are the perfect "fit" for this chosen child for you! You will find that no matter what people tell you to do, every child is different and only you and Josh (with a lot of help from God) will know what to do for your child. So happy for you! Tasha H.

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