"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23At this point, the summer of 2009 has been huge when compared to previous summers in my life. As most of you know, I lost my grandfather on Sunday, June 28th and six days later Kari and I had our baby, Landon.
In just a short period of time, myself and my family experienced a loss and welcomed a new life into this world. As the verse states, the Lord is faithful through it all. God has taught me a ton in a very short period of time.
As I watched my Mama express her everlasting love to my dying grandfather she stated, "I'll sell everything I have in order to get Papa home and comfortable." WOW! Short of dying for him, which I am sure she would do, she would give it all up for her spouse. This everlasting love for her spouse is one I hope to give my wife and son. This also is just a glimpse of how our father in heaven loves us, "For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Psalm 57:10).
This theme of love continued on July 4th. As Kari cried, groaned and expressed her labor pains we rushed to the hospital, time stood still; several hours later we became Mommy and Daddy to Landon. Once I laid eyes on our precious gift I was in love. I used to say, "There are no pretty newborns." People would insist, when its your own it doesn't matter. Those people who said it doesn't matter when its your own, were right; he swept me off my feet by his presence and cry. The amazing responsibility and trust that is bestowed upon someone who has a baby is beyond description. A father is supposed by responsible to take care of his child, but yet he has to trust that God will protect his child whenever his earthly father can't be there for him. Many people said, "Your life is about to change." This is true, but an understatement. We attempt to pray daily for him and myself to trust that in the good times and in the bad times, "His love never fails."
Love of your spouse; love of your child; (love for everyone) and love for God should be everlasting and unconditional, even if he grows up to be a football player or a book worm.
More to come, Reflections on Fatherhood: Part Two.
God Bless.
3 comments:
We had similar experiences -- My sister-in-law passed away suddenly a month after Caed was born and then my grandmother died a few days after Kira was born. Its such a bitter sweet time. Joy and sadness all in one. But I'm so glad for the examples your Mama and Papa were for you.
Its amazing how such a tiny person can change your life, but they do!
You have had quite the summer. Mountains and valleys, love and loss so close together.
I was listening to the Bare Naked Ladies the other day...they have a song towards the end of their album "Stunt" called "When You Dream". It's about one of the guys infant son and we first heard it just before Ethan was born and I listened to it a lot when he was a baby. These first few months are so precious (exhausting for sure) but so precious. I only got to have a newborn once but there were moments of that overwhelming responsibility you speak of interspersed with pure joy. I didn't think I would like E very much after he spent 9 months making me so sick, but like you I fell in love at first sight. Check out the song and enjoy your baby boy :)
Your words made me cry...I pray God will equip you in every way to be the man after His own heart. One that will love Kari and Landon as He loves them. Thank you for opening your heart so beautifully.
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