Ready or Not: Surrendering My Birth Plan to God

As I move closer to my due date, I can’t shake the feeling that I haven’t done enough.

I haven’t meditated enough. Prayed enough. Exercised enough. Mentally prepared enough. And that’s terrifying.

I was just sitting, thinking about all the ways I’ve fallen short of what the world says I should have done to prepare—for this birth and the season beyond it.

But even in the midst of that fear and anxiety, there’s a bright light shining through. Because there is something I’ve done: I’ve been present.

Present in my parenting—spending every day snuggling, rocking, disciplining my son. Taking him on adventures to the library, the park, the zoo, and playdates.

Present in my marriage—in the small, quiet moments late at night after work, after baby, when we watch silly reels or simply take ten minutes to hold each other before crashing into sleep.

Present in my cleaning, wiping counters and scrubbing showers to provide an income so I can safely bring this new life into the world, right here at home.

Present in the mundane—grocery shopping, folding laundry, washing dishes. Present in my community group, resting my mind and spirit, spending time with dear friends, and clinging to the truth of God’s Word and the peace of His presence.

Because no matter how much I have—or haven’t—prepared, this birth is in the Lord’s hands. It always was. It always will be.

I have done my best with what I’ve had. And I can hear His quiet voice telling me, That is enough.

Handing this birth over to Him, entrusting Him with what little I have to offer—that is the best preparation I can give.

So yes, I’ll drink my tea, eat my dates, do my stretches, and take lots of naps. But this birth is out of my hands.

And that is actually, incredibly comforting. Because His hands are so much more capable than mine.