by Kristi Muston
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” ~Colossians 3:23
I have done many labors in my life. During my teaching career, I labored over lesson plans and grading, and strove to build relationships with students everyday. I’ve labored through training regimens to compete in a few half-marathons and triathlons. While working full-time, I also labored through a masters program. But none of those labors compare to the physical and emotional labor of giving birth to my daughter Sophia.
As far as pregnancies go, mine was completely smooth and normal. While being pregnant during the height of the Covid-pandemic caused some anxiety, I remained healthy throughout; my pregnancy had very little morning sickness, and no complications. I exercised everyday, ate healthily, and took the recommended pre-birth classes. I knew labor would be painful and long, but nothing (and nobody) really fully prepared me for the roller coaster delivery I had.
Two days past my due date, I arrived for my regular checkup before I was ultimately sent to labor and delivery for an induction. This was the first of many surprises, as I expected to be scheduling an induction that day….not having one! My bags had been packed for weeks, but were home with Michael, who had already started work for the day.
Once settled in, I quickly discovered that despite being over 40 weeks pregnant, I was 0 cm dilated…I expected a slow start, but had naively expected everything would go smoothly because my pregnancy did. Instead, during the 26 hours I was in labor and delivery, I had more interventions than I had thought possible. Every few contractions, Sophia’s heart rate would plummet, and I would be moved to some new weird sitting position on the bed that seemed to settle her the most. Hours later (at 3 a.m.!), the doctors discussed c-sections procedures and paperwork with us so we could switch over to a c-section at a moment’s notice.
The next morning, I was so weak and tired from the lack of sleep and food that I’m still amazed I managed to push for a full two hours before the doctors used a vacuum extractor to help Sophia along. In those final pushes–when the room suddenly went from 2 nurses to 10 medical staff—I even feared something would go wrong, and we’d lose her right at the end (although I doubt the situation was ever that dire!). By God’s grace, Sophia came into the world screaming and healthy. She quickly came to love being held by Michael and me, and I was blessed to have no post-partum complications.
It has been over two years since Sophia’s birth, and I sometimes find myself still processing the trauma of her delivery, especially as we prepare to welcome another baby girl to our family in December. Giving birth was the hardest thing I have ever done…even harder than the swimming leg of a triathlon! Our parenting journey has taught us to rely on God and His plan and His timing. God calls all of us to labor for Him, in everything we do. It will look differently for all of us, and we will all have blessings and challenges in the work God calls us to. But He is always faithful.
For September, the Stir Blog’s theme is “How We Labor.” Our issue celebrates the ways God has called us to work for Him. This month, Jill Pearson reflects on her laborious journey biking RAGBRAI. Melissa Meyer’s compelling devotion on the joys and pains of childbirth draws us closer to the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. Pat Hallstrom shares a recipe for key lime pie on a stick (and the story of the work it took to get the recipe). Patty Rose, Jeanie Michelizzi, and Tricia Whitehill all reflect on how they’ve used their respective careers to honor God. Finally, we will meet Rena Laack and learn more about her labors and passions.
God puts passions in our hearts that lead us to the work that we do. Our labors stretch into every area of our lives, and are meant to challenge us and draw us closer to God. As we reflect on the theme of “how we labor” this month, may we remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Kristi Muston
Kristi Muston has lived in Rochester since 2013. She is married to Michael and mother to Sophia. After teaching English for 9 years, Kristi is now a stay-at-home mom. In her spare moments, she loves reading, running, and eating dessert. At Calvary, she co-edits The Stir blog and is involved with the worship team and Renovare.