I’m on call. On any day, at any
time, day or night, regardless of my schedule or the airing of Downton Abbey, I
might receive a call that Monique is in labor.
For years I have told Monique I
would not be present when she gave birth. Citing her dramatics and whining
episodes, I have told her when the miracle of birth is complete, she is to call
me and I will bring a nice little gift to the hospital.
Now that my firstborn is days
away from delivering her own daughter, she is ignoring everything I have
previously said. Not only has she requested my presence in the birthing room, she
has also given me a job to do. A job! In the midst of her labor and delivery, I
have been asked to be the photographer. The photographer!
I do enjoy the hobby of
photography and have filled the space on my computer with snapshots of family celebrations,
school plays, graduations, sporting events, and most recently, Adeline, my
first grandchild. Someone recently commented, “Adeline doesn’t take a bad picture.
“
I immediately explained the
secret to any success I may experience as a photographer, “I delete the bad
ones.” I am not about to exhibit pictures of poor quality. And now, on the
brink of my second granddaughter’s birth, all I can think about is whether or
not I will succeed in capturing the first precious moments of Olivia’s life.
So, here’s my plan. As soon as I
get into the delivery room, I’ll become aware of the lighting, take a few test
shots, and adjust my position or the camera’s settings, or both. I can’t risk
shadowy pictures which might hide the baby.
Shadows. Although dreaded in
photography and on dark, lonely streets, it’s where I run to when afraid. I cling
to the shadow of the Almighty. Nestled close to the Father, I find rest, a
break from the heat of whatever battle I’m facing, and protection. Trusting I will
only experience those things He allows in my life, I turn to God for support
and direction. The plea of David, in Psalm 17:8 becomes mine. “Keep me as the
apple of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
It’s not that I always expect to
be spared difficulty or pain, although I believe we have no idea how many
tragedies we’ve escaped, I simply find
peace and strength from faith in an ever-vigilant, always loving God. Perhaps Christian
musician Mike Donehey said it best. Paramedics
reported he lost his pulse more than once on the way to the hospital after a car
crash. He was told he would never walk again, yet two months later, he was up,
moving, and eager to play soccer. Donehey is quoted as saying, “Sometimes God
redeems us from struggles. Sometimes God redeems us through struggles.”
I guess you could say that every
day, and every time, during the bright sunny days and through the night seasons
of my life, God is on call. Hopefully, He’ll offer a little guidance on this delivery
photography. I can’t wait to see what develops.
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