A Birth Plan

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born.” (Luke 2:6 NIV)

This morning I am thinking about how out of control Mary’s birthing experience must have felt.

I remember having my own babies (though it feels like eons ago now) and being a perpetual list maker, I had constructed a birth plan. Our son was way overdue, so I had plenty of opportunity to map out every detail. My hospital bag was checked and rechecked, the route was mapped out with an alternate route just in case of traffic, my laboring playlist was pre-recorded and the cassette player had new batteries. The bassinet was assembled, the layette laundered, the diaper bag was fully stocked and emergency numbers carefully taped to the cabinet next to the landline. 🙂 (This is post is beginning to read like a time capsule, isn’t it?) I wanted labor to start naturally, to avoid any drugs and to push until our baby was in my arms. This was my plan and we were ready.

Until we weren’t. My birth plan was augmented right at the start when an induction proved necessary. Contractions stalled out after eight hours, until my water broke, then there was no relent as another ten slid by. Finally after a few hours of fruitless pushing we were labeled with ‘failure to progress’ and an emergency cesarean ushered in the dismal end of my first pregnancy. My birth plan was a crude sketch that crumbled under the first pain.

When it was all said and done, I had a beautiful baby and a whole bunch of questions. Why did it go like that? How had I not seen it coming? Would my frame ever feel normal again?

I look at Mary’s birth story and I imagine she had a lot of the same kind of questions. Think about it: surely this sweet girl from Nazareth had imagined her narrative in a much different way. First of all, she likely longed to have her first baby within the socially acceptable parameters of an established marriage. She likely hoped to have her baby at home, with her mother and a midwife in vigilant attendance. She certainly had hoped for a well-appointed room with light and warmth and privacy. She likely longed for the love and support of her community.

Instead, Mary gave birth in the midst of a major road trip. I can’t fathom how uncomfortable a donkey ride might be on a full-term expectant mother. As we all know, there was no room in the inn and no Bethlehem family who opened their home. Surely Mary’s birth plan did not include a stable or cave with cattle lowing alongside her. Mary’s birth story must have felt so very far from the plan she had imagined.

Yet through the lens of history we see the impeccable fulfillment of complicated prophecy. What must have felt totally out of control to Mary was utterly in the hand of God. The Almighty had orchestrated every movement of this symphony, and it all brought Him glory. Through the obedience of Joseph and Mary, God wrote a story that could not be forgotten.

When life feels out of hand, we must remember, we are never out of God’s hand. Be encouraged today, what feels for all the world like chaos is still completely in God’s dominion. Everything that enters our lives goes across God’s desk, first. We can trust Him for the strength and resiliency to survive, even thrive through whatever He allows.

“But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.” (Psalm 31:14-15a NIV)

Lord, when things feel out of control, please remind us that You have a perfect plan moving forward. Much like the details surrounding the Savior’s birth, we know Your plan will far outlast today’s discomfort. You are plotting with eternity in mind. Strengthen our sight, Lord. Let our hearts be set on Kingdom priorities instead of what we see and feel right now. Help us to lean in for Your leading and maintain a right heart as we cooperate with Your perfect will. Amen.