Dear Dad-To-Be

​ Dear Dad-to-be,

          As soon as your wife finds out she's pregnant, her world begins to change. Each day brings something new, a new hope, fear, or feeling. Sometimes her life seems to change as rapidly as the transformation that is taking place within her. Yet, it can take first-time-dads a good nine months for the change to catch up to them. Each of your days will continue to seem the same, but keep showing your wife that  you're interest in the pregnancy and fatherhood; it will provide comfort and reaffirm your love for her and the baby. You became a team when you got married; reassure her with thoughts, words, and actions that you’re still a team through this new adventure.

            Labor and delivery can be the most intense, exciting, amazing moment in your life, and because your wife will be doing all the heavy lifting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Men want to fix things and make it better, and in these moments it seems there is little a Dad can do. But don’t let that make you feel powerless, that was never God’s intent.

          Instead, God has already entrusted you with great power and authority through Jesus.  The most important role you play in delivery is praying for your wife, that’s where your gift of fixing will come in handy the most. If something isn’t how you expected, pray. If your wife is afraid, pray. The throne room of Heaven is where all these problems get fixed, and your wife might need you to do the work for her.

        By being rooted firmly in God, your strength and peace provide a comforting oasis for your wife to rest in. If you don’t feel much strength and peace, turn your worries over to God, each and every scenario, and leave them in His Hands.

       Remember, your words have great power as well. Encouraging statements go 100x farther during labor, so encourage your wife. Remind her of the amazing attributes that made you fall in love with her how those will make her the most incredible mom on the planet. Remember, the baby will be in your arms before you know it. Labor will be an unforgettable experience, and, believe it or not, your wife will absolutely treasure the memory of how you support her through it.
       
​         Sincerely,
        Alexandra

          P.S. You already have what it takes to be an amazing Dad. God is the greatest Dad, and He can guide you at every turn and bend in the road; He will always be with you. The more you know God’s heart, the more you can demonstrate it to your family and the better you will lead. You may want to do it all, but that’s something only God can do.  Follow after Him closely; as you walk righteously, your family will be blessed (Prov. 20:7).