The Night Before

I am sure there are plenty of other things I could be doing right now besides writing up this post on this night, but it’s all done!

Supplies – Check

Clothes – Check

Clean House – Check

Bags Packed – Check

Having a Baby Tomorrow – Check

Wait, what? Not check yet. It’s tomorrow! Our first child and daughter Peyton will be arriving tomorrow. Putting this in words or in a post will never be sufficient, I understand that, but why not try to? Besides, looking back on this will be a blast. 

So many thoughts, prayers, and planning has come down to this moment where now there is nothing else left to do besides have our baby. Most of (if not all of) the work gets credited to my wonderful wife who has endured through these last 10 months in such an awesome way, that my love for her has only grown more and more each day as God continues to prepare and lead her to be a new Mom.

Just the pregnancy process alone (and I am sure tomorrow) only shows how much God loves us, how he has knitted us all together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), and how specific He is with us every step of the way. Not a single second goes by that He doesn’t know everything about each and every one of us.

After all, He is God!

These last 10 months have also showed us such a wonderful example of the “church being the church” as many people have provided countless items for us, brought over meals (and continue to do so), pray for us, and check on us. It makes me think that this is the way the church is to live every day. As believers (brothers and sisters) in Christ, we are going to be with each other for eternity. Let that sink in for a moment. Every person who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will be with each other, forever. Why not start now living the way we are wired to live. (Acts 2:42-47)

I have no doubt in my mind for even a second that my wife will be a wonderful, caring, tender Mom every step of the way and that Peyton will be loved. I know for a fact that I must cry out to God and grow in dependency on Him to be the man of God He is leading me to be as Husband, Father, brother, friend, etc. As my eyes tear up thinking of seeing my daughter for the first time tomorrow, hearing her voice, seeing her smile, looking into her eyes, being able to hold her, I know one thing is for sure that she will be loved by her father. More importantly, she will be loved by our Father. As emotions run high (and maybe parents, you can relate with me here), and anticipation begins to build as we get closer and closer for Peyton to arrive, I can’t help but imagine the Father’s love for us. How much MORE do you think He loves us if we can love our children as much as we claim?

On the night before Peyton’s arrival, I can’t help but think of the Night Before Jesus went to the Cross. Luke 22:42 tells how Jesus prayed to God saying “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Jesus remains obedient to what the Father calls Him to do and with that involving the crucifixion of His son, imagine how much God has to love us by letting His only Son die for us.

He paid the price. Past, present, and future sins have been forgiven from what Jesus has done and is a free gift to those who want to receive it, at anytime. (Romans 10:9)

Peyton, I pray as you arrive tomorrow that immediately you feel and know the love that your Mom and I have for you. I pray more that you know the love that our Father has for all of us. That as you grow, you would see your need for Jesus just like how mommy and daddy have a great need for Jesus. That you would pray confessing that and ask that Jesus become your Lord and Savior at a young age. That as you are our daughter, you would also become our sister in Christ. That the Lord will protect you, guide you, and comfort you in all of your days. That we will do the same as He leads us each day. I pray all of this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

I love you and can’t wait to see you tomorrow for the first time.

Mike Mobley

Follower of Christ, Husband to Joelle, Father to Peyton & Matthew, Finance & Operations Pastor at 121 Community Church, SAG-AFTRA Actor, Founder of Before The Cross, Owner of MMWCS, and Podcast Host for the Not Quite There Show.

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