Happy {almost} New Year dear readers!
Christmas 2011 in Pasadena
As 2011 comes to a close I am thankful for so much, especially…
- A sweet husband who partners with me to improve our communication and understanding of one another, even in the midst of conflict, struggles and trials.
- My dear family {including amazing in-laws} who have been so encouraging, supportive and patient with me as I’ve pursued this blog endeavor, even if it meant learning things about me/us/our marriage that they wish they could hear in person. I oftentimes wish we all weren’t so far apart, but I’m grateful for the time we’ve had together recently.
- Our church family here in Boulder where we feel loved, encouraged and spurred on toward Christ even among people who were strangers to us {and us to them} just 7 months ago.
- The opportunity to live in this beautiful place where I marvel at the scenery right outside our door and the
Sunrise...literally just a few dozen steps from our front door!
ever-changing impressiveness of the sky and mountains.
- Precious friends, near and far, who challenge and inspire me and who pray for my most intimate needs.
- And finally, you dear reader, for your comments, emails, tweets and texts that remind me someone IS out there reading what I write. I’m ever so grateful that you’d even take a moment out of your day to stop by and say hi! This blog has been a labor of love–not always easy–and it’s definitely tested and challenged me in more ways that I can name.
It’s been a great year with many reasons to rejoice. But it hasn’t been without struggles. Some of you know that we’ve been trying to conceive. It’s ever-present on my mind and has been a challenging process with a big let-down every 28 days or so.
If you’ve been through this, you know what I mean. If not, I liken it to a roller coaster–lots of highs and lows and you never know what’s coming around the corner.
I always assumed that it wouldn’t be EASY for us to get pregnant; but I never assumed it would be HARD. I’ve watched many friends struggle through infertility, and I think it’s one of those things that you can’t totally understand until it’s you. I’m rejecting the word “infertility” for now, even though doctors would tend to lean in that direction based on our ages {40+} and how long we’ve been trying {10 months}. Instead, I try to remember and focus on Psalm 139:13-16
God, the Creator of the universe, knows. He knows our child. He sees the number of its days, when it will be born and to whom. He will knit that child together in its mother’s womb whenever the time is right. He’s not worried about this, nor does He want me to worry. My prayer for the coming year is to remain confident in God’s plan and trust Him. I long to know the experience of carrying a child and giving birth. It has been the desire of my heart for as long as I can remember. And though God doesn’t promise that’s how we will become parents, I will still pray with hopeful confidence, trusting in His timing and will. If you pray, I’d ask for your prayers for us in this and for your patience with me in the not-knowing. When there is something to share, I will most definitely share it.
Tonight will probably look a little like this...
So, the Husband and I have BIG plans tonight. We’re staying home. It’s pizza night {with dough purchased from a favorite Italian restaurant down the road}, and since we don’t have cable we won’t be watching any countdowns or balls dropping. I predict we’ll be celebrating another timezone’s New Year and be asleep before midnight MST.
I hope…wherever you are tonight…that you’re safe, among good friends and that you know how deeply you are LOVED.
Happy New Year!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy, happy New Year!!
Sending much love from our family to yours!!
Thanks Laura! Hope you guys have a great 2012!
Happy New Year Merritt and Todd!
Thanks for being willing to share your heart on this blog and encouraging other couples to honor each other and their marriage. Wonderful things come out of intentional relationships-more than I ever dreamed!
Thanks Janea, that is so true! I’m so encouraged by your friendship! Happy New Year to you and Joel!
Happy New Year, Merritt! Thank you for your thoughtful posts and your thoughtful comments on my own blog. I will pray that God directs you both in your path towards a child. He has already orchestrated every step of the way
If it encourages you at all, the parents I used to nanny for were around the same ages (40+) and were just about to try IVF when they got pregnant naturally. And then, shortly after their first, they got pregnant with their second! Both are, in my perception, miracle children.
God knows His plans for you and your husband and will bless you however & whenever is best. I’ll pray for your peace along the journey, which I’m sure can be pretty rocky!
Have a wonderful night and enjoy the homemade pizza!!!! <3
What a sweet & encouraging comment. Thank you so much Lisa. There are so many stories of miracle children. There’s definitely reason to have hope but also keep our confidence in the Lord. I’m grateful for your prayers and hope you guys have a wonderful New Year celebration, too!
Sweet friend, your heart is so transparent on your blog. Thank you for being so willing to share your story. Be encouraged & watch God do the miraculous.
Thanks my friend! Grateful for your comment. Just clicked over to your site. I LOVE IT! We need to get caught up so I can hear more. Love you!