Answered prayers and elephant dreams

Earlier this night I sat on the floor reading children's books, playing on a toy drum and simply enjoying spending quality time with my son when I was reminded of the gift that he is.

Eddy and I prayed for a year and a half for the blessing of a child. It was a long season of frustration and doubt.  Then God made me a promise of a gift that I'll hold onto for dear life through a dream that I'll never forget. 

Elephants aren't something I just started liking; it's something that God put into my heart. You see, one night in a dream Eddy and I played with a little elephant as if it were our child.  This elephant was joyful, playful and it ran around with a certain freedom.  The grass was green and the sky a beautiful blue with trees and bushes to run around and explore.  At some point in this dream something changed suddenly- something unknown was afoot and we jumped into action to protect him.  We became his guardians.  I don't recall seeing anything threatening in this dream, only that we had the instinct to protect.

I awoke after that with a feeling of love and an understanding that God would provide for us. No we didn't get pregnant right after this. God has his timing and -even though we don't always like it- it is good.

About 3 months later we found out I was pregnant with Joey and I'll never forget jumping on the bed early in the morning with excitement to tell Eddy.  So many people have elaborate ways to tell their spouses that they're pregnant and after trying for so long... this couldn't wait. Joy is what matters and that's what we felt.  Answered promises matters.

I write this more for me than for you. It's a reminder for myself to enjoy this gift God has given. I find myself so frustrated on the hard days when Joey just isn't having any of it.  Those days feel like I have failed at parenting and then I am reminded on nights like tonight- that God blessed me with a sweet, playful, passionate little boy who simply wants to enjoy life.  I'm reminded that I am to guide and make teachable moments; and that I am to steer him in the right direction.

Here's to answered prayers.

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.”

1 Samuel 1:27-28

* If you will, take a moment to pray for those struggling to conceive or dealing with loss. Sometimes things that you think should be easy aren't and you never know who is silently feeling down. Pray for those people.