Conceived in Love

Today is our youngest son's birthday. Joseph was conceived in love, not a planned love by us, but in God's love that is greater and wiser than we would or ever could imagine.

We had just moved to Florida from Colorado, and in the midst of too many changes, we found ourselves with a surprise. Another child would be joining our family. I must admit, it was not a happy gift that I was given. In fact I prayed often that God would take His gift back! I cried many tears. I was at a loss because I had three other children and the move had upset all of our rhythms.

We were a mess in a roach ridden rental, a less than acceptable school for the two oldest girls, no phone, no friends. We were homesick for our Colorado life, but we also felt that God had directed this move and had hopes that things would get better. BUT! We were surprised with our kids getting chicken pox and one who ended up needing to see a doctor, but we had not found one and had no insurance. The the surprise of a pregnancy with no insurance. The days went spiraling downward. Patrick was laid off from his new job, we were building a house we could not pay for, and still no health insurance.

BUT GOD! Yes, somehow He came through. The kids got through the chicken pox with only a minor hiccup. Our house was finished and we were given a loan without Patrick having fulltime employment, and we moved in a few months before Joseph was to arrive. We were able to sell our pickup to pay for the hospital fee for the birth, and we found the very best of pediatricians to see us through all the years of our kids growing. (Dr. Cannizzaro) Even in our turbulent time of moving God was with us just as He was present and loving us all when Joseph was conceived.

After those days and wanting to return to Colorado, we settled in to a Florida rhythm. And since God wanted us here, we stayed. We have found that we can love Colorado and Florida equally with maybe preferring the gentle warmth found in both between their extreme seasons.

As I look back and ponder the truth that though I had no love for Joseph at first, God did. He also loved us all. I can also know without a doubt that I, too, was loved at conception. My parents were struggling then too. But we can know with surety that God does not love us into being and then walk away. He walks beside us, even when we try to run away from Him. His love is steadfast. It never turns away. It is our lifeboat when the waters rage around us. His love is our anchor and the mortar that helps us build our faith.

You, too, were conceived in love, God's love. Look to Him for more love. We all need love every day, like the song says, "What the world needs now is love sweet love." But God's love is the best sweetness!