Samantha gazed adoring into her darling daughter’s face. This perfectly beautiful baby slept so peacefully, not a care in the word.
Samantha began a prayer she would pray over all her children the rest of her life, “Lord, may this beautiful child love You and serve You all the days of her life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Who will she become?
What will her personality be like?
What gifts will she possess?
What challenges will she face?
In that hospital room, holding her newborn baby in her arms, Samantha knew tomorrow she would carry her home.
What is the most important key to life I can teach her?
How to stay safe?
How to love?
How to be kind to all?
Psalm 27:4 provides a weighty answer: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only so I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.” NIV
The Message version of Psalm 27:5 further explains, “That the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway far from the buzz of traffic.”
Being held securely in a parents’ arms feels safe and secure. Going out into the world doesn’t always leave us with the same warm fuzzies. Every parent knows this vast world can be wonderful, and it can also be heart-breaking.
The best tool we have to offer our children, our friends, and even ourselves for navigating life is to introduce him to the Lord.
When we do life with the Lord, we are not alone. He’s not the magic genie in the sky who suddenly makes it all better. However, He does promise:
– to stay with us always (Deut 31:6)
– the pain has a purpose (Romans 8:28)
– He will redeem everything we go through. (Romans 8:28)
Samantha knew the proper order of things. As she watched the infant’s chest rise and fall, she knew mothers should not outlive their children.
Chances were, she would not always be there. However, if the baby grew up with a foundation of faith laid on her heart, she might choose to love God with all her heart, soul and strength.
She would have courage in scary scenarios. She would find wisdom when she felt clueless. And, even if she lost everyone she knew, she would know the Lord, and never, ever be alone.