Anticipated Birth

As the thirteen-year-old girl settled into an empty seat near me this morning, I wondered if I should tell her. She folded her blonde locks over one shoulder–growing into a lovely and graceful young lady. The sentiment stirred my attention away from the sermon several times.

Do you know just how special you are? See, I knew you before your conception. I witnessed your mother’s fervent prayers for a little girl. You were born from a prayer. Have you any idea what a rare blessing you’ve enjoyed, to be wanted and adored before your birth?

Then I realized the truth–it’s not rare at all.

Each child born has been anticipated before his or her conception. Whether we’ve been told how cherished we are or not, adoration drenches us from heaven. Most of us don’t feel how soaked we are with our Father’s love.

I decided not to tell her, since she’s among the rare few who might feel the love of God in her mother’s embrace. Instead, I’m delivering the message to you.

Do you know just how special you are? You were known before your conception. Divine words showered your forming soul, mind, and body. You were wanted and adored before your birth.

Someone else needs to know, too. Who can you tell?

“For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.”

– Psalm 139:14-16