new life

on 7/7/11 andrea lynn was born into our family. even though this was our 4th child it felt like the first time. sure, i had been there before, but it never gets old watching god bring new life into being. as i held my daughter for the first time while in the operating room, sitting next to emily, i was once again in awe of life – new life. i said a silent prayer over my new daughter god had entrusted me with, thanking him for life. i know that life is tragic in many ways and there is the possibility of this little one being hurt, sick, and rebellious. but i can’t help but rejoice! god has granted us life and has taken care of our messiness. there is nothing more to fear in christ.

i am not worried about the teenage years, i am looking forward to them. i am looking forward to all the small little moments (even the hard ones) that i get so spend with my andee. the greatest joy in my life has been building a family. it has not always been the easiest and has often exposed some of my greatest weaknesses, but it has still been an absolute joy. i can only imagine what family will be like in heaven when all the “shortcomings” will be gone. when loving each other selflessly won’t be so hard.

“you are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come!” thanks be to god for new life, and may we experience the god of wonder like a newborn child.