Today, I Celebrate the Birth of a Babe

Today, I celebrate the birth of a babe.  It was a long time ago when an angel appeared to a teenage girl, who was engaged to be married.  I imagine it was startling enough when the angel appeared, then he broke the news.  “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)  

I can imagine the thoughts going through her head.  "How could this happen?  Why would he choose me?  What will people think?  What will Joseph do when he finds out?"  As expected, Joseph was not pleased and no longer wanted to marry Mary.  An angel came to him and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21).

This beautiful babe was sent for me.  God knew I could never meet his standards.  He knew I would make choices that were not honoring to him.  He knew I would fail.  However, God loved me so much that he didn't want to lose me.  He had to make a way for me to live with him forever.

He sent a perfect babe to live on earth to live like we live, face the decisions we face, be tempted like we are tempted and meet the challenges we meet.  This babe made each decision without fault, avoided all temptation and met each challenge without waiver.  He honored God every day of his 30 something year life.   He did this for me.  When he died, he took on the burden of all my mistakes and all my bad choices.  He suffered a very painful death for me and he did it with very strong shoulders.

He did this for you too!  God knows and loves each of us and he wants us to know him.  God has an amazing place prepared for us so that we can join him and he made this possible by sending this babe to live a perfect life and to die so that we could live.  God loves us all!  He just needs us to believe in him and to admit to our sins.  The babe carried the burden for us all.

God Knew What He Was Doing!

In short, the best description is WOW!  God knew what he was doing when he created this world and it's people.  I just returned from a 10 day trip to the New England states.  Ten fabulous days to enjoy God's beauty and to appreciate and think about the people he created and put into my life, whether it be for a moment or an extended time.  Ten glorious days of relaxation, admiration and adoration.  Ten days to spend in awe.

What was so beautiful?  The colors, the rain, the fog, the cold, the people, the warmth, the smells, the sounds, the mishaps and the laughter.  Getting to spend the time sharing the experience with both of Cody's grandma's was priceless.

Life is too important not to take the time to spend some special moments and enjoy the world around you with those you love.  I've learned that I need to slow down and make the time.  I've learned that I need to reach out and take the initiative.  These moments and these memories are going to be the thoughts I can pull out to push me along when times get tough.  These will be the things that I can think about that will make me smile when I want to cry.

If you have been a part of my life, I know there is or was a reason.  Whatever the reason, I love you for the part you play or have played.

Transition

Twenty one years, one month, seven days, 17 hours and 24 minutes ago, the biggest blessing I have ever received entered my life.  He was a 6 pound 14 ounce boy and  his name is Cody.  The delivery of this gift was not an easy task and the past 21+ years have definitely had some ups and downs, but he is without a doubt God's biggest blessing in my life.

Cody and I made a family together, a home together and a life together.   Although I led him and taught him rights and wrongs and how to be a good man, he also taught me equally as much.  I knew God was my savior at a young age, but I strayed and became more focused on worldly things.  It's because of Cody, that I am back in God's arms again and He is more important to me today than He ever was before.  Cody also taught me that it is OK to make mistakes and that I don't have to be perfect.  Cody has taught me that everybody is an individual and we can accept people for who they are.

I watch my son today and I admire the man he has become.  He's happy, healthy, active and compassionate.  He's involved in many things and has amazing friends.  He works hard and has great character.  He makes good choices.  He let's the Lord lead him in a variety of ways.

Today is a day of transition.  It is a day of joy and pride mixed with heartache.  Cody moved out of our home for the first time.  I'm so excited for his opportunity, but our home will be much quieter and lonelier.  His presence in the house always made it a home.  Although I will welcome sleeping through an entire night, I will miss the 2 & 3 a.m. serenades with him playing guitar and singing.  Although I will welcome not having the challenge of trying to make sure he is up in the morning, I will miss walking by his room and seeing him sleeping.  I will miss the I Love You's at odd moments just because.

His bedroom will remain the same and the bed will be made and I look forward to surprise visits and the joy I will feel when I walk down the hall and see him asleep in his bed.  I look forward to hearing his voice when he calls, receiving an occasional text message and meeting up for a meal every so often.  I look forward to seeing where his life road takes him.

I thank the Lord for the gift He has blessed me with over these past 21+ years.  I'm so thankful God knew what He was doing and that He had a plan for me that turned out to be an experience of a lifetime.