Tender book recommended

The meditations--one per page--in this small-format book consist of three parts: a journal-like excerpt from the author's pregnancy, a piece of advice, a brief Scripture quotation.

The author expressed very honestly the range of emotions and changes experienced during pregnancy. "Every once in a while, like today, I get a panicky feeling," she writes. On another day it's "Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve so much goodness in my life." She lets us inside her worries: Will she carry the baby to term? Will she like her child? Will she be a good mother?

Advice to her pregnant reader arises out of these personal segments of experience, and is wise and gentle. "Accept your lack of perfection," she says. Or, "Go ahead and jump for joy." Or, "Know that you don't have to explain your tears to receive God's comfort."

The Scriptures also match the day's story and are a delight, even when they are borrowed out of context. The overall flavour of this book reminds me of the tender indulgence shown by God to all who particularly need it, as in "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd . . . and shall gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah. 40:11 KJV) I recommend it.

Dora Dueck is a freelance writer in Winnipeg. She is a member of Jubilee Mennonite Church.

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