A new birth

I must say, one of my favorite "things" is a newborn. There's nothing more special than a pregnant woman and subsequently her newborn child. So new, so fresh, so unspoiled.

But there's another birth that I think usurps the specialness of a newborn babe. And that's the birth of a new creation in God's kingdom when someone gives their heart to Jesus. Some people refer to it as a "born-again" Christian.

I remember when I publicly gave my heart to Jesus some 20 years ago as a young adult. I need to dig up that photo somewhen in the house here. Man do I love digital photos on the computer. How nervewracking it is to stand up there with every eye in the church on you! But a small sacrifice to know that you are one with Christ.

Last Sabbath I think I had the best honor a mother can have. My first-born, my son publicly gave his heart to Jesus. Matthew was baptized in a beautiful ceremony by Pastor Antonio. He's taken Bible studies for the past six months or so and as a matter of fact, it turned out that it was Pastor Antonio's first baptism as well. The Pastor had asked Matthew to write why he wanted to be baptized and read it or have someone else read it. He chose to have me read it.

Okay, now it was my turn to be nervous! In the end, Matthew decided to answer for himself and I was never more proud. He's a wonderful, sensitive and caring child. So often I wonder what his birthmother thinks/feels after the passage of all this time. Does it seem like forever and a day to her? One more day that she thinks and wonders what her first-born is doing or is like? Or has she tucked the memories away only to take them out for brief moments at inconspicuous times? For me the time has flown by. I can't believe Matthew will be ten in a few months. Some days I ache to share with her how special this young boy is and what a wonderful young man he's growing to be.

I was so glad that so many of our friends and family were able to join us. Darrin's entire family came which kind of trumped mine this time since no one from my family was there. We went back to the house and had a great lunch. The kids all had a good time and it was nice to sit and chat with everyone. Food wasn't fancy but it was tasty enough and easy to prepare. Even easier to clean up!

So cheers to Matthew. I'm so proud of you and I do look forward to the man you are growing to become.