The last newborn carried into our home was James - who made his entrance into our family in 1995 - some 19 years ago. But as I anticipated the events before me yesterday, my mind went back not only to 1995, but also to 1993, 1991, 1990, 1985, and 1979 - each of the years that a newborn was carried into our home. Each of those times were red-letter days in our lives, full of both intense joy and stressful challenges.
But regardless of how tough those challenges were, we wouldn't trade them for anything in this world! Those challenges served us well, entwining our hearts with theirs as our Creator God bonded us together as only He can. Little did we know then that those challenges (sleepless nights walking the floor, colicky wee ones that would not be comforted, combined with weepy eyes from out-of-whack hormones) were minor compared to the challenges yet to come!
At this point in my life, my nest isn't exactly empty. With 4 kids living at home while going to college, it seems our nest has turned into a college dorm! But the residents in my nest no longer require the time and attention they once did. I've struggled the last couple years with trying to figure out what to do with myself! After homeschooling my children for some 27 years, I found myself somewhat at loose ends. But, as always, God knows exactly what my schedule needs - both in weeding out unneeded activity and in adding new ventures.
I have a deep desire for these age-60-and-beyond years of my life to matter - to make a difference in the lives of others. And I love it when the Lord brings things and people my way without me going out to look for them or trying to make something happen; He just shows up sometimes, seemingly out of the blue, and fills "my plate" with good things! I gladly accept this new mother and her precious baby girl as the "good and perfect gift" to my life that they are - from the Hand of my loving Father!
As I look at my newly-filled "plate" this morning, I'm reminded of several words from The Word - treasures for this day that He has made, and reasons to rejoice and be glad in it!
The bili light is needed for benefit and healing, and it reminds me of how much I'm in desperate need of Light, as well!
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.
John 8:12 Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.
The challenges of this day, and of all the days ahead - both known and unknown - need not cause us to fear! They will be overshadowed by the same love, power, grace, and help that yesterday's challenges received. We will not walk through them alone! The Father of Lights, Who is steadfast with no changing, will walk beside us each step of the way! As our dependence on Him increases, so does the enabling power He pours out on our behalf. Great is His faithfulness!
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us...
Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us...
Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
The Lord is involving us in His work, giving us the opportunity to share His love with this mother and baby, to come alongside Him in His work ... and to experience Him as we do. What an awesome privilege that is; we are grateful! I don't know how long they will stay, or all that will be involved, but I pray that every day will find each one of us looking to the Lord more and more for His Light on our path - His direction and guidance for each step of the way.
So as I begin this new chapter in my life, I give Him thanks for this good and perfect gift, knowing that He will use it all - the seeming good, bad, and ugly - for the good of His Children and for His glory, as He molds and makes us on the Potter's wheel of life.
One step at a time...
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