"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Faith is not one of my strengths. However, as I look back on my life, I see times when the Lord has stretched and grown me in this area. The journey of faith I've been on during my first trimester of pregnancy now joins my history of faith-building seasons.
To be honest, I have found it hard to believe that there is a little life being knit together within me when there are no positive or visible signs of life and growth. In fact, often it has felt quite the opposite. Aversions to food, fatigue, a queasy tummy and throwing up don't feel like new life to me. My mind has battled thoughts of whether I'm just sick, not pregnant. Many times I've felt and looked at my belly hoping for evidence of the growth within but to no avail. It just looks normal and feels ill.
Of course, there have been many encouragements along the way. The joy and excitement of sharing our news with family and friends always lifts my heart. Chatting with pregnant women and being reassured that this is all normal has helped to settle the unknown. Although I should not need prodding, realising that it could be much worse has helped me be thankful. I'm also know that learning to be unselfish and share with a little one, in spite of the discomfort, is probably good training for motherhood.
I am sure that the journey of believing in what we can not see will continue far beyond the first trimester. Yesterday, however, we had the most incredible blessing. Jonathan and I got to see our baby for the first time. What a delight to see his/her precious body snuggled up inside me; heart beating, thumb sucking, feet kicking...all 0.2 oz of baby Thorsvik! Still so tiny but looking "fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together in mother's womb," just as the promise says. It was truly a moment that lifted and encouraged my heart; one that I will cherish for a long time.
Fourteen weeks and two days down! We're praising the Lord for a healthy pregnancy so far and putting our faith in Him for the rest of the journey. Thank you all so much for your care, love, and encouragement along the way. Now it's time for little Thorsvik to chub-up and get ready to meet the world. We love you baby!
We are excited to announce that little Thorsvik #1 has joined our family. While the baby is keeping a low profile for now, safe inside mommy's belly, Lord willing our little blessing will pop into the world in early February.