A decade. It’s quite the milestone.
It is a decade ago that I held a small creature newly released into the world. It was the first time I had ever witnessed the birth of a baby. I recall holding her in my hands and tenderly singing her song in her ear.
It’s true what they told me that it is a miracle. She was a miracle in my hands. Now a decade later and she no longer fits in my hands, or my arms. I can’t really lift her for an extended period of time unless I’m taking the weight-lifting thing a bit too seriously. Yet she is still a miracle. Every day of her life is a miracle. Every day of her smiling face, of her exuberant laughter, of her excited approach to life, of her complaining, of her naughty behaviour, of her being miserable, of her being fully awake and sound asleep – every day is a miracle.
In that decade my appreciation for her has only grown. My love for her has only deepened. At this stage of her development I am acutely aware that she is ever more aware of who she is without being fully aware of how to handle that knowledge. She knows she’s dependent on her parents, yet she’s already bristling to experience a great deal more of doing her own thing, her way. In all of that, there remains in her that glow of gratitude, that spark of thankfulness for life.
Lately she has been asking questions about faith with a bit more seriousness. She sees those around her living in the light of the love of the Lord and she realises such a glow radiates her life. She wants to know more about it.
In all her ups and downs I still want her to enjoy her childhood and keep having fun. I also want to encourage those explorations into faith and how to respond to the love-light and the grace-glow around her. As the first born in a household with three younger sisters in it, she has an important role to play in exemplifying the issues of growing up and growing in faith. They look to her. This is not a burden. She only has to be herself.
It is this unpacking and unveiling of who she is as she grows older that is my joy to watch as her father. Sure I get to shape bits and pieces, but it’s the delight of seeing her personality and passions peek out and express themselves that’s such a joy.
With every expression I am reminded of the miracle of my first born. I am reminded that it is not my faith and effort that makes her who she is today. It is truly the grace of God manifest in manifold ways that sustains and envelopes her. I am ever grateful for His grace over this His miracle.
One decade completed and I trust she will celebrate and continue to grow in knowing He who has given her such grace.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 