The Need for God in the Newborn Days

Having a newborn is pretty difficult. Understatement? The challenges are diverse and wide-ranging. I don’t believe this is a coincidence.

As Beth and I were driving to the hospital for her to bring a baby into the world – we prayed.

As we waited to get checked into the hospital – I prayed.

As we sat in our first room and Beth’s pain started to increase – I prayed harder.

As we were moved into the delivery room and the miracle began – I prayed constantly.

As I held my new daughter – I prayed, holding back tears of gratitude.

As we took the new member of our family to our hospital room – I prayed.

As we struggled to stay awake and care for her new needs – I prayed.

As we drove home – I prayed.

As we started the first weeks of no sleep, stress, anxiety, and responsibility. As we tried to feed Sage, as we changed her multiple times throughout the night, as we walked around bleary eyed, as she slept on my chest, as she cried in my arms – I pray constantly for help and strength.

As Beth becomes a zombie from lack of sleep – I pray.

As I fall asleep holding Sage – I pray.

As Ivy adjusts to a new sister, the responsibility, and the change to her little world – I pray for her.

As Beth works to breastfeed every 3 hours and continues not to sleep – I pray for her.

As I go back to work, Beth having extreme trepidation – I pray, and I assure her it will be ok.

We’re being looked after.

As Beth texts me, “You must have said a good prayer for us for today. I can’t believe I feel as good as I do right now.” – I pray with so much gratitude.

I know we’re being looked after.

Having and bringing home a newborn is stressful and a momentous responsibility. I don’t think that is a coincidence. I think it’s meant to remind us how much we need Him. I’m grateful for how difficult it is to bring a new baby home because it brings me closer to my Heavenly Father. I have to rely on Him, because I know my strength is nothing, and I know I can’t do it without Him.

I’m grateful for these challenges because they remind me how much I need Him.

I’m grateful to know He is there.

I’m grateful to know we are watched over.