New Life

Sunday, September 18, 2001
Thirteen years ago today I witnessed new life firsthand.  It was the day I gave birth to my first child and became a Mom.  I remember being overwhelmed in a way that I never expected.  Experiencing a new little person come into the world is nothing short of miraculous.  I was changed forever that day.  I've now witnessed the new lives of two other additions to our family as they came into the world.  New life at it's very beginning is incredible.  The room is usually full of happy tears and thick with emotion. 


Not only is today the day we celebrate our oldest on her birthday, but it's also the day that our youngest was baptized.  God is so gracious in His blessings.  We have celebrated both life on earth and also the representation of new life in Christ....all in one day.  I stand in awe of the Lord everyday, but today is extra-special to this mother's heart. And I can't help but mention the parallels.

New life in Christ is just as exciting as the birth of a new baby in the hospital...more so, actually.  The day my youngest sat across from me at the table and big tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "I asked Jesus to come into my heart," was filled with much emotion.  My heart swelled as I recognized her seriousness.  Her big brother was sitting with us when she said it and even his manly self got worked up.  We immediately knew what it meant for her.  She is re-born.....born into a new life that is all about Jesus. 

When our oldest was born in a hospital 13 years ago, we knew that our lives had changed forever.  She would bring us immense joy, but times would be hard, as well.  Her new life into ours meant that changes would take place. We would need to make adjustments and we would surely face trials.  It's the same way as our youngest receives new life in Christ.  She will face changes and adjustments and trials.  But overall, she will have the capacity to have immense joy everyday knowing that her life is now placed in the hands of the One who will protect and guide her. 

As parents, we had the responsibility of nurturing and caring for our children when we brought them home from the hospital so fresh from God.  Just as importantly, we have the responsibility of nurturing our youngest daughter's new life in Christ.  Just as we fed, clothed, and cared for her physical and emotional needs as a new baby, we have responsibilities to uphold with "new" life.  We have the primary role of nurturing her spiritual growth....of caring for her heart as she grows in the Lord. 

New life, whether the precious new life that takes place in a hospital or the incredible gift of salvation that comes from Jesus, is a gift.  A gift is something to treasure.  A gift meant that someone went out of their way for you to receive it.  It is something to be thankful for.  Good gifts are those that we want to cherish and take care of.  Such are our children, and such is salvation. 

..."I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!  2 Corinthians 9:15