When I first found out we were going to have a baby, I was in complete shock. My mind went reeling in trying to figure out how I was going to start supporting a family. Knowing that Mandy would be student teaching and finishing her master's this next year, the majority of our living expenses had to be brought in by me which I couldn't forsee working at Target. But even though it looked pretty bleak and wasn't quite sure how we would be able to provide an environment to raise this little boy. After calculating the projected due date and being validated by the doctor much of the stress dissipated.
It was then that I finally understood what I have heard repeatedly again and again in homilies, conversations with priests, and classes I've taken: that God has plans for us and if we are open to His will rather than what we think is best for us.
The due date is two days after Mandy's finals, so if the baby decides to come on time (which I know isn't likely with the first one) she will have longer to recover and spend time with the baby before school starts back up at the end of January. Had the due date been during school, she would've been stressed out, distracted which could've affected her grades, but God had chosen the best time for her to have the baby. Then a conversation my parents had with a friend at the local fireworks show in town produced a possiblility for a job. I mailed my resume and transcript in hopes of getting in line for an opening, turns out within the week there was a job opening and I was a main candidate. I ended up getting the job, now we have cheaper and better healthcare and a bigger paycheck that I now fel like I can support my family. Also there's different
work schedules I can have to spend time with the baby.
On top of all this we have amazing people in our lives that have helped so much. With the borrowed crib and changing table, endless amounts of clothes and supplies, and even items that can stay at the grandparents' houses, that has allowed us to save large sums of money that we can then use on the numerous things the baby will need once he's here.
If there's one piece of advice I will share from now on is to trust the plan God has for you. The unseen plan that's there for you is so much more than anything you could come up with yourself and you'll be more happy with the life that you are building in cooperation with God than demanding from Him what you think you deserve.
Heath
