My wife Carrie

is pregnant with our second child. If all goes as planned, the new arrival

will make an appearance around Thanksgiving. (Carrie and our three-year-old

son are convinced it's a girl; our son wants to name her either "her"

or "Tiger Moth." We told him we'd take his ideas under consideration.)

Last night

Carrie blew the dust off our copy of "What To Expect When You're

Expecting," the classic reference guide for soon-to-be parents. The

book describes our baby's progress throughout various stages of the pregnancy.

This week he or she weighs about an ounce, and stretches to an astounding

three inches.

The book also

describes what mothers and fathers can expect throughout the pregnancy

physical changes, emotional changes, milestones and struggles. Chapters

cover everything from proper snacks to fingernail growth to dealing with

an itching belly (hers, of course ... though mine needs a scratch now

and then, too).

I glanced in

the index, however, and discovered the authors neglected to discuss an

important issue. While pregnancy brings an abundance of physical and emotional

issues, the process also contains a spiritual dimension that can't be

ignored.

Since "What

To Expect When You're Expecting" overlooks the spiritual impact of

a pregnancy and birth, I thought I'd add a postscript to make an already

helpful book even more helpful. If you're expecting a child, you can expect

the process to impact you spiritually in at least three ways.

First, expect

to experience a new kind of love. When you gather that crying newborn

into your arms for the first time, your heart instantly explodes. Amid

wails and screams your child's eyes open. At that moment it hits youthis

miniature person with ten tiny fingers and ten stubby toes depends on

you. Trusts you. Counts on you to provide absolutely everything they need

to live. And, it's not just any miniature person, it's your son

or daughter, created by God from the love you share with your mate. These

previously unexperienced feelings envelop your heart such that you can

barely breathe.

Second, expect

to understand God's love in a new light. I'll never forget sitting in

the hospital room the night after our first child, Peyton, was born. The

rest of our family had gone home. Carrie and Peyton, both exhausted, slept.

I tried to get comfortable on one of those torturous hospital recliners

placed next to Carrie's bed, but to no avail. Finally I gave up on sleep

and just watched my son.

He rested in

a clear plastic crib, wrapped tight in a cotton blanket. I watched every

twitch of his face. Every glint in his swollen eyes. I imagined the first

time he'd call me "Daddy." I imagined the first moment he'd

truly understand my love for him. My hopes for Peyton soared.

Then the thought

struck meGod feels this way about me! His hopes for me soar. He watches

every movement, every twitch. He longs for me to call Him "Daddy."

He anticipated the day I would first grasp His love for me. God loves

me even more than I love my son.

Third, you

can expect to pray. It's inevitable. The moment you discover you're pregnant,

the prayer almost prays itself, "God protect our child. Keep our

baby healthy." As your due date approaches, "God help this delivery

to go smoothly. Prevent any complications." As you cuddle your newborn

in your arms, "God teach me to be a parent." And again, "Protect

my child." Prayer continues through the first steps, first day of

school, first broken heart, graduation, and beyond. Even if you've never

prayed before, parents pray.

Expect it,

when you're expecting.

(Daniel

Overdorf is the senior minister of Fayetteville Christian Church, located

at New Hope and Hickory Roads in Fayetteville. He may be heard each Sunday

at 10:30 a.m. as a part of the church's weekly worship. Daniel may be

contacted at the church office (770-461-8763) or at [email protected].)

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