Well, today (March 19th) is a big day. To me anyway. (To most everyone else, it’s not.)
 
And though there are no big celebrations happening around here, it does mark a significant day. Mostly for my mother and father – who welcomed their first “miracle” child into the world. 
 
Yes, I said miracle. 
 
And no, I’m not just vain.
 
I really am, a walking miracle. Because my parents didn’t think they would ever have children of their own. Let me explain:
 
At age 19, a year into marriage, my mother survived a major abdominal surgery and post-op infection, which left her with some reproductive complications. What happened over the next several years was heartache and frustration with not 1, 2, but 3 miscarriages which always occurred in the second trimester.
 
In the midst of testing, adoption paperwork and researching (and in-vitro only available in the US – definitely not an option for them in Canada), my mother conceived again.
 
Considered a high-risk pregnancy, she was placed on bed-rest by her new physician in the small town that my parents had just moved to (from the big city of Toronto).
 
She moved past week 21, which itself was a miracle, and months later delivered a small, but healthy, full-term baby.
 
Me. 
 
After all the waiting, the fear, the questions, the doubt… they held their first child (of five!) in their hands.  Yes, I said 5! My mother, who was told she would never carry a baby to full-term, went on to have 5 healthy children (and there are 5 more of us waiting in heaven!) 
When I tell people my story (really, my parents story) it’s hard to believe. It’s miraculous really. And it has always given me bed-rock faith in the fact that my life has meaning.
 
When I say that I was “created with and for a purpose” it is not just some cliché that I spout off. It is more truth to me than for most people. And maybe that’s why my faith has always been such a huge part of my life.
 
I love these words written by King David in Psalms 139:

You created the deepest parts of my being.
You put me together inside my mother’s body.
How you made me is amazing and wonderful – verses 13 & 14
 

Flash forward 33 years and I’m ever more aware of the fact that my life has purpose. I was designed, planned out, crafted. My personality and natural gifts, my passions and strengths.
 
And I want to share with you a secret: so are you.
 
Created by a Creator. With a purpose and plan in mind.
 
And maybe your story sounds much different from mine: born into a family that didn’t expect, or want you. Born to two kids who weren’t quite ready for a baby. Maybe you don’t know your real parents, or your life has been scarred by the very family you were born into.
 
In the midst of whatever your circumstances, I give you this promise:
 
Your life has meaning.You were created for a purpose. You are loved deeply by the God who knit you together.
 
And to you He says:

“I have plans to take care of you. Not abandon you. Plans to give you the future you hope for.” – Jeremiah 29:11

 
Good plans.Hope.A future.
 
Sounds pretty good.
Here’s to another year!  My 34th. Your…. whatever the number is.  I hope you are as excited as I am about what’s coming next:
 
“The good plans. The future you hope for.”