I'm Nesting -- Expecting & Preparing

Expectant mother birds do it. And, human moms-to-be (and some dads) do it too! Preparing their "nests" for their soon-to-arrive baby is nesting. The "nesting" instinct is a burst of energy expectant mamas often get in the last few weeks of pregnancy. They are inspired to clean and organize their home because they know their baby’s care is going to take lots of time and energy so she wants everything ready-to-go for baby's arrival! I know that "expecting" woman. I was she! Tomorrow, December 8th, is my baby girl's birthday. During this time, I was in such anticipation for our baby who would be born tomorrow. 7:00 am we were to report to the hospital for my induced labor. My doctor was going on vacation and I wasn't about to miss out on him being my coach after nine months with him. Back then, we didn't know that she would be a girl or boy. We were prepared, either way. I had been "nesting" -- making all the preparations for her arrival. Her nursery was "welcome-baby-ready". All the gifts of clothes, underclothes and blankets were washed and folded in the little dresser drawers. The hanging diaper holder was filled and all the little items were organized for her soon arrival. My home was clean. My bag, with her little onesie inside, was packed and ready to go. Plans were set for two-year-old brother to stay at Mom's & Dad's until we were back home with our new baby. Everything was ready in preparation for her debut. The excitement was building.

Though I didn't know she would be a girl, I had been in a sweet nesting mode, so excited and waiting for her to join our family of three. I was already celebrating her. I loved her already. She and I became well acquainted those nine months. And, that baby girl is still kicking today as she is a mighty woman of God in His service to radically impact our world with His life-changing power. I relate to Mary because she was bearing a mighty Man of God -- Who radically changed everything about everything with His life-saving power. This beautiful season of Advent is about "nesting" when we ponder our Lord's miraculous birth. I think about this time 2,000+ years ago when Mary and Joseph were in anticipation of their little boy to be born. We know we're not waiting for His birth again. He already abides in us, but taking this sweet season to refresh and revive our relationship with Him seems like the best thing we can do to celebrate His coming. In this "nesting" time, we can sweep out all the clutter and excess stuff that's been in our hearts. Of course we know He is no longer the baby in the manger. He is our risen Lord and King, so this celebration is for royalty. Getting ready to celebrate the birthday of Christ is about the preparations for the party. We want the house clean and we want to bring out the best china. We want to put up the Happy Birthday signs. Isn't that what we're doing in this season right now with our lights and our expressions of love for Him? What better way to prepare for His birthday than thinking about what He means to us, what His arrival on this earth did to change everything and about Him being Emmanuel -- God with us -- now and forevermore.