On His Terms

The odds were never good, per se. On paper, these precious babies weren’t expected to ever exist, much less make it to full term. But God had other plans.

From two unlikely embryos grew an unlikely pregnancy. It was riddled with morning sickness, a throbbing myoma, and other related issues. It was, after seven long years, something that had to happen amidst the storm of a global pandemic.

But we trusted the Lord’s guidance, refusing to screen or pick and choose by gender or health as we embarked on this journey. Every life is precious. Every moment counted. We didn’t know how God wanted you write our story, but we were determined to honor Him every step of the way.

 

And when the Lord chose to usher us into parenthood, it was not in any way exactly what we had hoped or prayed for, but it was a testament of how little we control things and how much God does. Because when He chooses to give His children something, He gives on His terms in His time.

 

Dear world, we are beyond grateful to introduce you to our precious one-month-olds Liam and Lizzie. They are Michael and Minela, for Mickey and Minnie, our two miracle year of the rat little babies. They are James and Rey, for Thai Kong Santiago and Thai Ma Rebecca - two dearly departed loved ones who were so instrumental in raising Daddy and establishing our home church (And we get our little Star Trek and Star Wars references to boot!). They are Liam and Eliza, for Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet (and Eliza Hamilton!) - the two literary characters from Mommy’s favorite love story: a story of hope, sacrifice, and second chances.

We pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in raising these blessings. May He grant us strength for the hard days ahead and humility as we deal with our shortcomings. May He grant us unconditional love as we get to know our bundles of joy.

 

We are well aware that these adorable children are sinners that we have to disciple, train, and teach. We know there will be many tests ahead of us to measure how well all those years of dreams and theories translate into reality.

As with so many blessings, they are as much for our enjoyment as they are a responsibility. And we pray that we will be faithful stewards for as long as the Lord allows us to be.

 

Thank you, Lord, for our beloved children. May we love them the way You want us to. May Your will, and Your will alone, be done in our lives and in theirs. May every member of our young family strive to live not by our terms, but by Yours.