I have a daughter who is about 3 weeks from giving me another grandchild! She's healthy, her pregnancy has gone well for her, and as the due date draws near our family of 21 is filled with the excitement of eager anticipation. Her sisters who are both mothers have been supportive and understanding. Her husband is more than helpful and considerate managing their two younger children more efficiently than ever. And, as might be expected, her mother is on the phone with her almost daily, coaching, encouraging and listening sympathetically as the days go slowly by.
On several different levels there are emotions that are running quietly deep inside of each of us. Some are the obvious ones of excitement and eager anticipation, others are those of understanding with regard to having another mouth to feed, another mind to cultivate, and another soul to nourish. Some of the emotions are occasioned by the fact that one of her sisters has a down syndrome child. Another is concern about the potential of pregnancy triggered diabetes. Another is the longing for a similar opportunity, but knowing that it can no longer be afforded due to health limitations.
It's reasonable and common, therefore, I think, to see my daughter spending more time seeking spiritual strength and assurance more demonstrably than is her usual pattern. She is concerned and thankful and these feelings bring her closer to Jesus. This appeared to be true for many young mothers as I observed them throughout the many years of my ministry in a large urban congregation. I noted how those young mothers were drawn to their Lord Jesus as the increased responsibility of carrying another soul to full term had become clear to them. Not only did they come in their fear and uncertainty of the unknown, but they also came with an earnest desire to have their unborn hear the Gospel as soon as possible. I can remember how so many times I would be prompted to remember with and for them how the exchange between Mary, Jesus' mother, and Elizabeth, her cousin and the mother of John the Baptist, was recorded for our learning. (Read Luke 1:36-56)
Its times such as these that great benefits could be derived from having a parish nurse available to these young mothers. Bringing with them the knowledge, sensitivity, and information that is based on their education and personal experience. Parish nurses can and do contribute greatly to the overall well-being of those with child. Pastors do well to consider promoting parish nursing in the their congregations. Not only will it help those who are in need of special information and supportive care, but it will afford the pastors themselves an opportunity to be more careful administrators of the mysteries of God intended for the care and support of God's children.
