A New Year, A New Blessing

Last Updated on December 19, 2023

Thursday, December 29th, I went to my doctor’s office for a routine prenatal visit.

Being as far along as I was in my pregnancy, I thought it would be a good idea to bring my hospital bags. As we walked out the door on the way to this hour-long drive to my doctor’s office, my husband looked at me and asked, “You’re sure you’re bringing both bags?” I answered with a hopeful, “Yes. I’m sure. You just never know.”

After going through a pregnancy that was filled with a lot of nausea, pelvic dislocation, and discomfort, I was hoping that as soon as the baby was full term, I could be induced.

When we arrived at the doctor’s office and I walked into the exam room, the first thing my doctor told me was, “So, you’re now at 37 weeks and four days, which means she’s full term.”

“Does this mean you can induce me today?” I asked, praying inwardly for a yes.

“Oh, noooo,” he answered. “Not just yet.”

I sat on the exam table and prepared for my examination, which included a sonogram. Then I saw it: the look on his face.

Having the same gynecologist, I realized the look on his face always spoke volumes to me before he’d share exactly what he was looking at. So, I asked if everything was okay. He shared how the baby was fine, but my amniotic fluid levels weren’t, which meant he had to induce me that day.

“You’re kidding!?” I asked.

“Oh, I don’t kid about these things,” he replied.

I couldn’t believe it.

Although I was rejoicing in the inside because finally I was getting ready to have this baby, I had no idea that I would see her beautiful little face before the new year dawned. I was expecting to see her on our scheduled date to induce me, which was January 10th. But instead, God knew her timing was going to be just in time for the new year. Karina was born December 30th at 1:05 p.m.!

Through my unexpected labor and deliver experience, God showed me just how our timing is not necessarily His timing.

To be quite honest with you, although physically I was ready to have her in my arms and out of my womb, emotionally I was probably a wreck, thinking about the challenges that being a mommy of three can bring. Needless to say, I felt I really could have used that extra week to prepare myself mentally.

This pregnancy, I really struggled with my reality. But, with the help of a great supporting team of other mommies, God was able to show me that I didn’t need to worry about the new year or the new arrival because with His help, I can do all things.

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

The new year can always seem very intimidating because many associate it with a new beginning. But one great way God has shown me is to look at it as a new blessing and not just a new beginning — a new blessing because you’re still alive and God has a great purpose for your life as a woman, wife, mother, and in every other area.

You may not have just had a baby like I did, but your new blessing is right there inside of you, as well.

Today, I encourage you to allow the Lord to give you peace and motivation to keep moving forward into the new blessing that your new year will bring. The faithfulness of God always prevails.

Walking into this new year with the right faith and confidence in God that He can supply all of our needs — which as mommies can range from peace, joy, long-suffering, strength, wisdom, and patience — will help make this year a much easier one.

I’ve decided to give all of my anxieties to Him, like 1 Peter 5:7 says, and enjoy my new blessing. I’d love for you to join me!