Worth the Risk.

Seth Elijah is was my fourth delivery. My second induction, my second son. My best friend's first time seeing a baby born the old fashioned way. (poor girl). My husband's fourth time watching his legacy brought into this world, and the first time he napped at the hospital while I labored. (He'd come off night shift).

My Seth is four and a half now, and has not let go of his hold on my heart. I thank God everyday that I have him, and I thank God for every moment I get to spend with him. I can't take him for granted. He is a gift.

The thing I have to remind myself, is that it was a big step of faith to even conceive of this little guy.

I'd had my heart broken, and I thought it was irreparable.

I didn't think I could ever take a chance on loving so much again, in case I was left wanting. In case another baby died. Without being held in my arms, or kissed with my lips. Not safe in my body, unable to live outside of it.

It took years before I was healed enough in my mind, and heart, to take a risk. To step out and trust that it would be okay. That no matter what, I would be okay.

And what a reward, for my faith.

What joy, and laughter and love abound in my home and heart, because of this little soul. And because I allowed for a future, not knowing what it would be. Sometime it is SO worth the risk!!

If you have something in your life, that you are scared of; somewhere that you've been hurt before, consider trying again.

It can be forgiving someone who's hurt you, taking a risk in a relationship. Maybe it's a job, or and education that seems so scary, or unattainable. Maybe you already wrote the test or took the course, and failed. Consider trying again.

The thing is, if we don't try, it's never going to happen. Even though it's scary, the reward can be great. And alter our lives in a way we never imagined.

*As a post script, as a believer in God, I have a little illustration to encourage some of you.

When we set out on a risky adventure, we think that if we fail, we will not survive it. It will leave scars that will mark us forever, or we will lose parts of ourselves that will leave us unable to function.

What we don't see is that our God won't let that happen. We will sometimes fall, and the hurt will be there. (I actually broke my arm falling off of a pillow onto the floor once), but we will go on. We will get up, brush off, and be the stronger and wiser for it.

Be encouraged. Take a risk. Be blessed.