I Could Not Ask For More

It was late summer, 1999.  I was about two months pregnant with our first child.  I recall vividly standing at our bedroom window, looking out on the birch tree that was right in front of it back then, and out to the yard below.  The weather was beautiful -- almost becoming a bit fall-ish, but not quite.  Warm, with a hint of fall to come.  I had new life growing within me.  I had a husband I cherished, a new home that we were making our own, and a wonderful church family who was welcoming us in those first new years of being there.  The world felt full of promise and I suddenly felt overwhelmed with excitement of what was ahead of us.  A popular song at the time, "I Could Not Ask For More", by Edwin McCain came to mind, and boy did I feel that sentiment.  I had so much!  I felt as if my cup was overflowing exponentially. A new baby -- a burgeoning family, which was what I had been dreaming of and praying for my whole life.  As the song replayed in my head, I felt like my heart might burst.

. . .these are the moments I thank God I'm alive,

These are the moments I'll remember all my life.

I've got all I've waited for,

And I could not ask for more.

So many joys had been afforded me at only 26!  There was so much on the horizon, and even though I couldn't quite imagine the life ahead, I had this overwhelming feeling that it would be beautiful.

That was more than 17 (!) years ago, and so many of those dreams have come true.  My family has continued to grow and bless me.  Of course, life is not perfect, and there have been trials, pain, loss, frustration and moments where I was ready to throw in the towel.  But as I look back on my young self, with so much ahead of me, it makes me smile.  I knew something great was about to happen - we were on the cusp of the family years, but I couldn't quite imagine how it would actually look. "I could not ask for more" was exactly how I felt.  That I had been blessed so greatly at the moment, how could I ask for anything more? But here I am, 17 plus years later, and we have humbly asked for more over the years as we have been open to children.  God continues to provide for us in ways I never could have imagined.
If I could go back and talk to that young gal of 26, I would tell her, "There is so much more ahead!  This feeling you're having - it is so real.  God will continue to provide for you in ways bigger than you could ever dream.  Yes, there will be some pain along the way, but God will work His glory through it.  His plans are always good, and He will walk with you every step of the way.  Enjoy these moments, soak them in, and understand:  life just keeps getting richer."