Preparing

When I turned 40, my wife offered me as a gift to get cable television. I finally took up this offer several months ago (and several years after age 40). One favorite late night activity is catching the American shows "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." This helps me to keep up with American culture.

As I type, there is an interview with real estate developer and TV host Donald Trump. Conan asked him what could someone give him, since he is a billionaire. He mentioned that his wife was carrying his baby.

This reminded me again that it is an act of service for my wife to be carrying our third child. She's now nearing the end of her 8th month and has her next ultrasound on Thursday. We measured her width tonight and she measured 40 1/2 inches, which was her maximum width with our kids. So the baby seems to be cooking well inside.

4 years ago at Advent, she composed a poem titled "Preparing" in preparation for the birth of her first child. She was 8 months pregnant at this time 4 years ago.

PREPARING

Waddling through the cold streets,
Baby warm inside me
Thinking of she, who,
Through dusty streets had waddled.
Transported on a donkey,
Buses and metros for me.

Will I be ready?
Less than two months remaining.
Tiny clothes to wash and sort,
Crib and carrier yet to buy,
Many lists still uncompleted.
Will I be ready?

Did she feel ready?
A son soon to be born.
Much movement inside; hiccups;
Many trips to the necessary room.
Big and awkward and...
Excited!

And wondering...
What will he be like?
Whom will he resemble?
What does the future hold for him?
Will I be a good mother?
(And will labor be long?)

Will I be ready, did she feel ready
To greet a baby boy,
A newborn son,
A little miracle,
The infant inside?

Am I ready, was she ready
To greet this little One,
This regal One?
Into our world
This Light of the world had come.

So small, a babe, and still our God;
Lover of our souls He became.
Presents aside, our hearts He searches
Tenderly, caringly,
This One who is our God.

Love for Him?
Time for Him?
Room for Him?
Preparing for Him?
Was she ready?
Am I ready?
Are you ready?