My boys say their prayers every night before bed. We start with “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep …” Then they share with God any specific prayer requests and thanks. Of course, they are young, so the prayers that come to their heart can vary widely. Let’s just say that God has heard, more than once, their yearning for a new Rescue Heroes or Pokemon toy. But every single night, for about the last couple of years, each of them has said, “God, please let Aunt Kim and Uncle Richard have a baby.”
This past Fall, it became apparent to our family that Kim and Richard were not going to be able to conceive. Despite the best medical advice and procedures available, including two unsuccessful attempts at in vitro fertilization, it just didn’t seem probable anymore. And as many of you know, just about the only thing that comes close to equaling the heartache of infertility is the expense. My kids wanted to know why God had not sent the baby we all asked for. I tried to help them understand that only God could answer that question, and that God’s plan was so infinitely wiser than anything we could comprehend. So my son amended his prayer to say, “God, please help Aunt Kim and Uncle Richard have a baby, but if you don’t think that is part of your plan, please help them not be sad.”
This past Tuesday morning, through a series of events that only God could have put into motion, Kim and Richard were introduced to a baby about to be born who would need a forever family. A flurry of emotions and phone calls and conversations and long hours to and from the hospital each brought them closer to their dream of being parents.
On Thursday night, the papers were signed. On Friday, all our prayers were answered. Only three days old when he came home, this precious baby boy is now a part of our family, already surrounded by more love and more prayers than he could imagine.
This Easter Sunday, I have been so beautifully reminded that God is incredible, loving, and faithful. Though he may not always answer our prayers when we hope He will, he always answers them in His time, in His way, in His perfect wisdom.
Welcome to our family, precious baby boy. We have been waiting for you.
