Have you ever noticed that some of the best things in life begin in darkness? We could discuss the obvious of a baby in the womb or the fact that Creation, itself, began in darkness. Diamonds and precious gems are formed under heat and compression in the depths of the earth. One could earn a doctorate degree studying seed, when placed in the darkness of soil it begins germination and development.

Another, more abstract example, is that of a dream. Dreams are begun in the depths and seclusion of our minds. In this place, without input from the outside world, one can imagine possibilities that don’t require the light of reality for its growth. Everything ever invented started as a tiny thought. Every speech ever made, every book wrote, every building built, began in the private, intangible recesses of a human brain.

Coupled with the seclusion, these treasures in darkness also require time. For some the more cultivation time given to develop, the more precious they become. Others, like a seed and an unborn baby, there is a specific duration built into its DNA that will determine how long it will need before its grand entrance.

I also find this true of new mothers. Many women begin their formation into a mother without even knowing it. Some of the nurturing skills and life-giving qualities needed to parent their babies seem to be dormant and then spring up out of nowhere when the baby comes. Many first time moms I talk to, tell me they worry about becoming a mother. They look at other moms functioning in their element, and say they don’t think they’ll be able to survive. Truth be told, they do have what it takes; it just hasn’t surfaced yet.

If God can form a baby in utter seclusion and weave him together in the dark, He can do the same for a mother. Be encouraged, Mom, that God is at work in the depths of your soul and mind. He is shaping and developing you in ways you might not be able to see right now. But just because things go unseen, doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Pregnancy grows a baby, but it can also grow a mother. Don’t rush through the stages of development. Take a moment to actually be in the moment. Being pregnant can be about just that…anticipation, expectation and a time to dream. Trust God, allow Him access to the sanctuary of your heart and you will find yourself doing things you never thought possible.