What Do a Pregnant Giraffe and You Have in Common?

I’m sure many of you have heard about April, the giraffe. She is about to give birth, and you can watch her live on webcam here: www.aprilthegiraffe.com I love animals, and a this is an exciting event to be able to watch and experience, especially with your children. It isn’t every day we get to see a baby giraffe being born. April has become a YouTube sensation, and people from all over the world are watching her every move. Many have been waiting for weeks for this calf to be born. People are even speculating about whether April is pregnant. The vet, however, assures us that April is pregnant and getting close to delivery. Today when I went to YouTube, there were over 124,000 people watching April walk around in her pen on live webcam. It is like the world has gone ape over a giraffe! Did you know a giraffe’s gestation period is at least 15 months? Yikes, as a mom I’m glad God didn’t design women to be pregnant for that long! However, birthing something is always filled with anticipation and excitement because it brings such great joy and satisfaction.

April may be giving birth to a baby giraffe, but here are four things I have learned from this experience that we can apply to our lives. God has given everyone an idea which needs to be birthed. It doesn’t necessarily mean your next idea is going to be the cure for cancer or the next best thing everyone will need, but it will be something which gives you purpose for His plan. Going through the birthing process is powerful. However, it does require dedication and hard work. It will also bring joy, satisfaction, and personal fulfillment.

Anticipation: People are waiting in anticipation to see a baby giraffe born. Don’t we all wait in anticipation for something in our lives? Whether it is a new baby, a job offer, or waiting at the airport to see loved ones, we know what it’s like to wait. The suspense and anticipation keep us motivated to stay focused, and our determination level high. Remember the old Heinz commercial with the song “Anticipation?” Ok. I may be dating myself now, but the crux of the ad was the slow wait for the ketchup to pour out on the French fries. What are you anticipating? I am anticipating Christ’s return! I look forward to the day when every promise in the Bible is complete, and there is no more heartache, suffering, violence, fear, or hatred, to name a few.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4

I also look forward with anticipation to my reunion with loved ones who have gone on before me. Most of all I am excited to be with Jesus, but until that day I will keep pressing forward toward the things to which God has called me to give birth, to fulfill His purpose for my life.

Patience: April the giraffe is teaching everyone about patience from the youngest to the oldest! Patience is a gift we give to each other and ourselves. Our lack of patience can make us miserable, destroy relationships, and cause us to become angry, selfish and bitter. A lack of patience can also prevent us from a sweet tasting victory. Think of how you felt when you first learned how to tie your shoes. As a child, didn’t this seem like an overwhelming task? You had to hold your little hands steady and think through the process of putting those rabbit ears together to tie a knot. Think of how you felt when you finally succeeded by being patient! How many times have you said to someone to stop being impatient? I’ve had those words spoken to me a few times! Think of how patient God is with each of us. We are such a sinful nation, yet God is patient and kind because of His great love for us. It is not His will that anyone should perish. Our job is to keep doing what God has called us to do no matter how crazy it looks to the world. How long has God been patient with you in your walk with Him? Fifteen months may seem like a long time to wait for a baby giraffe, but that is nothing compared to how long God has been waiting patiently for each of us. The blessing is coming!

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

The World is Watching: April is viewed by the world every day. The world is watching her eat, sleep, snack, and go to the bathroom. You can go on YouTube any hour of the day, and there are thousands of people tuned in to see what she is doing. She is on display twenty-four seven, and she doesn’t even realize it. Do you realize you are being watched too? Who is watching you? It is your children, co-workers, friends, and strangers. What are they seeing? Are you a person who draws views as a result of demonstrating love, acts of kindness, your willingness to listen, or by helping others? Whether as an individual or as a nation we are being watched to see our response and reaction to the issues which affect us. Are your words or actions giving birth to hope, forgiveness, mercy, and grace? Watching April prepare to give birth is a great distraction, but it doesn’t solve the problems each of face on a daily basis.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

Trust Your Gut: I was watching the owner of Animal Adventure Park on YouTube. He shared they never said April was in labor, but a news media outlet reported she was. They know the approximate time, but she is not in labor as of this moment. April will know when she is going to give birth and the vet is saying everything is going well. As a woman who has given birth, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt you can trust your gut. As you prepare to give birth to what God is calling you to, there will be those who will have opinions on when, where and how you should do it, but you can’t listen to everyone else’s advice. They may be well-intentioned people, but this is what God has called you to do, not them. Labor is hard work, and you have to be ready to push forward. Yes, there will be pain, but the reward will be worth it. Trust what God is calling you to do and know that no matter what, He will see you through. Share on XTrust what God is calling you to do and know that no matter what, He will see you through.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6
As we wait patiently, watching with anticipation while the world watches us, we can trust and know God’s word is true! The world is experiencing labor pains, and we know He is coming soon!

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” Revelation 22:12

I wish more people were watching with anticipation and excitement for Christ’s return as they are watching and waiting with anticipation for April the giraffe to have her calf.

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