Light to a Child

Have you ever been driving down a dark road, by yourself? Even for those of us who aren't afraid of the dark, it can be slightly unsettling to say the least. Many a time at night I have rounded a bend in the road only to have a deer standing in front of me. Darkness brings uncertainty. Darkness amplifies our fears.

Lately, I have been noticing that whenever I hold Nate, he wants to be where he can see a light. At night when we go to bed, he is calmer when there is a light on for him to look at. The light is comforting for him. Light brings joy, light brings relief, light is something we all find comfort in.

Jesus also said, 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5 14-16 NKJV) If we don't shine our light to those in the darkness, how will they ever find the comfort that comes from the light? If our light is hidden, why continue to let others live in the dark, where nothing good is?

I'm reminded of Matthew chapter 18 and verses 2 through 4 where Jesus said, "2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (NKJV) To make this personal, to enter Heaven, I have to become like Nate. If you have children of you own, insert your own child's name. A little child is who God wants us all to be like. 

I know Nate, Lord willing, will grow up. He will learn what sin is, he will sin, he will become accountable for his actions. But I pray that he will have enough of an affect on me now, while he is that little child, so that when he does reach accountability, I can show him what it means to live as a little child before God. Yes, he must grow, physically and spiritually, just like us all. But, we must remember to remain that little child. 

Nate, you can't even talk yet, but you continue to teach me more and more every day. Nathaniel, you truly are a gift from God. 

Finally.... Nate is here!

Words cannot express the level of relief and joy I felt when I heard Nate cry as they removed him by C-Section. I wouldn't say that I was worried, but it was the knowledge that the two people I love most in this world were about to undergo a surgical procedure, which always has it's risks. Thankfully, it wasn't an emergency, but still, it was surgery. The whole process was difficult for me because I wanted to be able to do something to help. There wasn't anything I could do, outside of prayers, that would help. Sitting by and waiting is a very hard thing to do. I am so thankful to God that Ashley and Nate both came out of it safe and sound.

On the plus side, I did not pass out at the C-Section. I just chose not to look because, "Why risk it?" I figured I had made it this far without feeling lightheaded, I didn't want to fall out in the floor right at the finish line.

Nate arrived at 9:54 PM weighing in at 8 pounds and measuring 21 inches long. The weight and measurements for Ashley and I are unimportant to this article and therefore will be withheld until further notice.

Nate, we love you very much. You were well worth the wait, we hope to give you everything we can to help you become the man God wants you to be. After all, you are a gift to us from God, and we love you with all our hearts.

Just for reference purposes, I have currently changed not one, but TWO dirty diapers. Just for the record.