A Pregnant Pause
I didn't have a "normal" pregnancy experience, if that's even a thing. I had a Pandemic Pregnancy. While my experience wasn't what I expected, it was what I needed. It was the calmest and most peaceful period I'd had in years. Yet as I was waiting, I was also preparing: picking out clothes, looking at all the baby gadgets and paraphernalia (there's so much!), figuring out what would increase my anxiety and what would help keep it manageable.
I also chose not to find out the gender of my baby ahead of time. This created a rather unique situation as my husband accidentally looked at the ultrasound monitor while they were noting the gender. So for 17 long weeks, he had to keep a secret that he really wanted to tell. In the end, unsurprisingly, things did not go at all like we expected or imagined.
Things rarely turn out like we expect them. When Jesus was born, His coming was nothing like what people expected. They expected a triumphant King, but received a lowly baby in a manger. They expected an avenger for Israel who would bring physical liberation from the Romans, yet received a Savior more concerned about spiritual liberation and freedom. They expected someone to reinforce religious norms and applaud their adherence to those norms. Yet they received someone who looked on the heart and challenged everyone on their need for salvation. Quite often, Jesus saved His harshest assessments and lessons for those very religious elite. They were so busy looking for who they expected, a warrior, that they missed who they needed, a Savior.
“O Come, O Come Immanuel and ransom captive Israel”
While we hope for a better year next year, and expect changes to take place, good and bad, let's remember that things rarely go like we expect. The good changes may not turn out exactly like we expected, leading to disappointment. But on the flip side, the bad things may not turn out to be as bad as we expected, leading to relief. Let’s not miss out on what we need because it is different from what we expect. Instead of rushing toward the next thing, let’s slow down and take time to be in the moment. Relish the feeling of hope and expectation while also leaning into the reality that it just might not be what we expect.
Take time this Advent season to evaluate your expectations and hopes. Are they built on a firm foundation, or are they built on circumstances that can shift and change at a moments' notice.
