THE FIRST CRY

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)

Grandchildren are a reward for enduring the trials and tribulations of parenthood—especially the teen years. I don’t know about you, but when we were planning to have children, we were planning on having babies, not teenagers. It’s a little like adding an adorable puppy to your family. You don’t know precisely what you’re in for, but you’re in it for the long hull.

We managed to survive those turbulent years, staggering out of the long, winding tunnel somewhat battle-scarred and wounded, but still breathing. In hindsight, it was well worth the time and effort—and love, especially the love. To hear our grown children say they want to raise their children like they were raised is high praise and somewhat baffling. At the time we were raising them, most of what we heard was quite to the contrary.

Fast forward to today—it really does pass in the blink of an eye. I’ve had the privilege of being present at the birth of my grandchildren. It’s indescribable, the overwhelming joy of watching your child bring new life into the world and hearing the most beautiful sound imaginable—the first cry.

Is it like that for God too—this amazing joy? Does all of heaven rejoice and celebrate the redemptive sound of new life when a sinner repents and accepts the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ? The answer can be found in Luke 15:10:  “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Father God, thank You for every good and perfect gift.

© 2019 Amy A. Verzi