Monday morning perspective.

Last week we had a follow-up ultrasound to check on the health of our baby boy.

This was necessary because our ultrasound at 18 weeks showed that our son had cysts on his brain, which could either mean one of two things: 1.) Sometimes cysts form as a baby develops and they go away on their own, completely harmless and - without all of this incredible technology - most of the time we would never know they were there. Or, 2.) Really, really bad things.

So that is what we were left to ponder in the month between the two ultrasounds. Our doctor was very reassuring that it was probably nothing and that the cysts would very likely be gone by our next ultrasound. And, thankfully, they were!

I can honestly say that we didn't worry about it while we waited, but you can't help but think about the different scenarios that could pan out when you're given news like that. Best case: Cysts go away and baby is fine. Middle of the road: Cysts are a sign of a chromosomal abnormality and baby is born with Down's Syndrome. Worst case: Chromosomal abnormality is more serious, like Trisomy 18, and baby does not live long after birth.

And I couldn't help but reflect on the conversation with my nurse practitioner as she reviewed the initial ultrasound. As I sat listening to the different possibilities, and being offered a myriad of tests, the nurse finally said: "Bethany, it all depends on whether or not you would change the course of the pregnancy depending on the results." Change the course of the pregnancy?! Of course, that is a pleasant-sounding euphemism for what she is actually referring to. Was I the only one that just saw that little guy not 10 minutes ago waving at me and wiggling his toes? He had fingers, and eyes, and a round little belly...he looked like my baby.

Yesterday Kevan taught the high school group on John chapter 9. The beginning of the chapter starts this way:

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."

Even though Kevan was not focusing on why God allows birth defects as he taught the passage, we both couldn't help but feel like that verse jumped off the page. "...that the works of God should be revealed in him."

How thankful we are that our son appears to be healthy and strong, but also how thankful I am for the peace that has accompanied this pregnancy. It is beautiful that God gives us the reassurance in His word that He absolutely uses our weaknesses, our frailties, and our imperfections to accomplish His purposes. Healthy or sick, strong or frail, God has given us this baby...that the works of God should be revealed in him. What a privilege to be a part of the journey!