New Life

So, this morning in my sermon I talked about how Jesus had said to his disciples before his crucifixion that in a little while they would not see him anymore, but then in another little while they would see him again.  They didn't know what he meant, so he went on, telling them that they would soon come into a time of suffering, but that it wouldn't always be that way - it would be like a mother who knows her difficult hour has come and must endure great travail, but then afterward, no longer even remembers her anguish when the joy of a new life arrives.  He said, "You will have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take that joy from you."

As I was preaching those words, I was thinking about my nephew and his wife up in Massachusetts, whose baby was due on Thursday.  I hadn't heard any news yet, and I was wondering if things had moved into the travail stage yet - and was hoping that maybe they'd already come into the joy part.  After the service this morning I received word - little Eric arrived yesterday - strong and well and everyone is doing fine.  New Life!

It's a new life for his mother, no longer having to carry the baby inside her 24/7, but now needing to carry him in her arms and feed him every hour or two 24/7.  It's a whole new life for his big sister who will have to adjust from being the only one to being the older one.  It's a new life for my nephew, now having both a daughter and a son to love, care for and play with.  And it's certainly a new life for Eric.  I wish I could remember what it felt like to take my first breath and meet my life on earth for the first time!  I'm sure it was quite a shock in some ways.  But at the same time, arriving into my mother's arms for the first time must have been a wonderful moment.

Like all human lives, I know already that Eric's life will have its share of anguish and travail.  And although we are offered new life every day, that doesn't mean our lives won't include both sorrows and joys.  As my new little great nephew's family moves into their new life together today, my prayer for them is this: Trust God in everything, and stay as close to God as you can every moment.  You never know what a day will bring, but whatever it brings, trusting and relying on God brings a joy that no one will be able to take from you.

Blessings upon you, little Eric.