I've been thinking a lot about my impending labor/deliver/birth and I almost feel like I'm a little more anxious about it than the first time, simply because I've done it before and I know how bad it hurts. ;) Of course, I also know what an amazing experience the whole thing is, so in that sense, I can also look forward to it more this time, if that makes sense.
I'm doing what I can to prepare (including having a dear friend as a doula and taking a class from an amazing lady), and praying. I read through these verses the other day and decided that this is a passage I want to be praying through as I prepare myself.
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From Psalm 143:
5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. 6 I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
7Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
This passage is also a great one to pray through as I start the day (any day!). A while back I may have mentioned my participation in the Maximize Your Mornings challenge over at Inspired to Action. Well, now the group of women participating has grown to around 800, and this season I'm joining in as an Accountability Captain, meaning I'm sheperding a group of 10 women through Twitter. So if you see me tweeting with the hashtags #MYM12 (that's my group) or #hellomornings, you'll know what that's all about. :)
Making a point to be up even twenty minutes or so before the rest of my family to spend some time with the Lord has made all the difference for me-- I really notice how it effects my day when I don't get that time with Him to focus and prepare for my day.