Why Labor?

Two years ago when I gave birth to my son Isaac, I had no idea of the lasting impact that choosing a drug free birth would have on my life. The lessons I learned from labor recently hit me like a ton of bricks as we started our move over a week ago. I'm a generally not fond of big changes. It's not that I like to stay stagnant, but I tend to enjoy putting down some roots and letting changes happen slowly. After 7 years in our first home that welcomed my two boys and saw us through many life altering changes, I started finding it hard to let go of this constant in my life. I knew this change was only for the best. I was generally excited about what was to come, but the fear of leaving behind the familiar and the walk through the valley of change and discomfort was starting to paralyze me. I instinctively began to do what comes naturally to all humans when discomfort comes into play, I began to fight. Hmmmm this seems vaguely familiar to that labor experience two years ago. As I prayed, God really began to pour His peace into my heart gently reminding me of why labor is important, and I'm not just talking about labor to give birth to a child. I am talking about the labor it takes to give birth to any worthwhile endeavor. Labor forces us to let go. It forces us to dig deep and find out what we truly rely on. Is it ourselves? Is it stuff? Is it money? When your are in the throes of labor most of that stuff really starts to pale in comparison to the magnitude of forces working within you. One thing I treasure most about my labor with Isaac was the sweetness and nearness of God that I felt. I believed in the work He was doing within my body. It caused me to let go of the past so my heart was opened wide for the future.


After this comfort from God the week proceeded to be one of those most challenging as we grappled with some difficult decisions. As I reflect back on this week I am grateful that every moment in our lives is orchestrated by God. The fact that He can take completely unrelated experiences in our lives and reveal His truth to us at other points along the journey is amazing to me. When I labored with Isaac I was focused on the task at hand. I had no idea God would work this thread into the tapestry of my story down the road.
I just want to encourage those of you who are laboring. It is often easy to become bogged down and lose site of the promises that lie ahead. There is purpose in labor. It is an exercise of faith, and this is true regardless of what you believe.
I hope in this week you find peace and joy unspeakable!

Shaking Things Up

I've talked a lot about him, and I'm sure most of you readers know him, but we're going to get a little crazy here. Chris will be guest blogging for me within the next two weeks. I thought it would be fun to hear some insights from my best friend and partner in life. I've given him permission to write about anything he wants. Chris wasn't exactly keen on the idea, but I know you'll give him a warm welcome! Stay tuned.

I know my audience isn't very large, but I see I've received a few hits from around the globe so I thought I'd address the name change you may or may not have noticed. I've wanted to change the name for some time, but I went through a little blogging drought so it all was placed on the back burner. Suddenly the inspiration to write just hit me, I love when that happens! It got me thinking about changing things up. I'm definitely no web guru so it may be awhile before I have a fancy template, but a name is somewhere to start.
I chose Coffee for the Journey because to me writing, reading, and sharing is like a good cup of coffee. It brings people together in a special way. There are many flavor profiles. There are many ways to enjoy a cup of coffee. In the end it's not so much the drink, but the sense of community it brings. Please if you are not a coffee drinker do not feel isolated, pull up a comfy armchair with your favorite hot beverage of choice and jump into the adventure.

I'm happy to have you all along the way again. Please feel free to join in the conversation, or simply read and enjoy.