Haylee (Daughter)

It can be easy to get wrapped up in the circumstances or events of life that we wish would or wouldn’t have happened. For years, my husband and I wished and prayed for a baby – for 2994 days to be exact. In those 2994 days, we prayed, we cried, we experienced anger, frustration, and had so many questions. 

“Why is this happening?” “What are we doing wrong?” “What else can we do?”

During this time, someone even encouraged me to seek medical intervention to figure out why it wasn’t happening for us. Except I knew, at least deep down I did. Behind all the tears and heartache, I knew God would provide us with a baby when He was ready. I knew that no conversation with a doctor, no medical diagnosis would or could change God’s plan for us, and I told her that. I will still remember the look on her face when I said that. She didn’t strike me as a believer, and her facial expression confirmed that. 

Looking back now, I can see moments, reasons, or events that make me think, “This is why God waited”, “This is why He wanted us to be here/there”. 

Today I was looking at my toddler, and I was in awe at how much she’s grown in her short time. She is everything that we could’ve hoped for and so much more. Not too long ago, we were praying for her and now here she is. Looking at her, I am reminded of the journey we endured and just how much we’ve grown since it started – individually and together in our marriage.

All that to say, I hope this part of my story gives you encouragement and renewed strength for whatever you’re waiting on the Lord for. If I had had full control of when I had my daughter, while it would’ve been a blessing, it would’ve happened at a time when we weren’t ready, at a time when she wouldn’t have gotten the best version of us. 

Because God made us wait, she’s getting the version of us that she needs and that she deserves. 

So, hold tight to whatever it is you’re praying for.

Be faithful, and take comfort in knowing that the plan God has for you is so much better and bigger than you could ever imagine for yourself. He knows the desires of your heart, and He will see you through whatever it may be.