I have been in and out of so many different thoughts...there are so many different emotions, so many different questions I have. Looking at the prospect of raising this boy, I stare directly into the state of my own sinfulness and rebellion against the Lord. Knowing what I know about myself, I honestly think that I would never trust someone like me with a child. All I can say is like Paul, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
I suppose that this is the reason why even parenting must be centered on the Gospel. I recently listened to a lecture by Tim Keller in which he said something so profound. Most people think that there are only two ways to live - our way (or according to the world) or God's way. Actually, Keller says that there are three: 1) Irreligious - that is, our way, rejecting the commands of God 2) Religious - keeping moral commands and using them to procure our own righteousness 3) Gospel - realizing that our righteousness and security comes from the finished work of Christ on the cross.
So many people think that 2. & 3. are the same, but they are so different. I realize the tension when I think about how parenting needs to happen. Does my son have worth in my eyes because of what he will achieve? for him? for me? Is he loved because he is a huge income tax deduction? because of his looks?
The question comes back to me: am I loved b/c I'm a good dad? Will God bless me more as long as I discipline him well and serve my wife well through it? No, Calvin is loved because he is in the image of God. And one day, I pray, he will realize that the Savior died for him and realize the extent of God's love. I am loved because of Christ, not because of my parenting... What a huge relief!!! What an inexpressible hope!!! This is my greatest assurance and my strongest joy. Thank God for the Gospel...
On another note, here are some more pics...
Nala and Dad peeking in on Calvin
Beautiful mom and beautiful Calvin
Our friends, the Schulte's came by with Joshua - only two weeks apart from Calvin!
Our neighbors, Courtney and Josh and Brody came by as well.
Like Nala, Calvin LOVES baths...
...and eating!
5 comments:
Welcome to the biggest pull of parenting, wanting these little ones born with sin to come into relationship with Christ. Boy, doesn't that make you pause and think about your example....yuck sometimes and hey, not bad at others. Go easy on yourself and remember it's God not you who eventually pulls these little ones into relationship. I trust your little guy will accept Christ early in life as my children (by God's grace) have done and the rest comes from what they see in us and in the church and their personal obedience to Christ. Somedays I can barely stand the pressure and others (like now with Sean in the Czech and Hannah serving in VBS locally) I just stand in awe of God's work in their lives. I personally think Calvin is blessed to have you and Sarah as parents. I sure have been blessed to know you. Enjoy and I'm really looking forward to holding him.
Love in Christ,
Chris
Cal (may I?) is looking more and more like Daddy! Sarah, you look awesome, as usual.
First marriage, then parenthood- God has provided such wonderful ways to sanctify us. I never realized just how sinful I really was until I got married. And I'm constantly humbly reminded now that I am a mommy. Thank God for the Gospel and how He opened up my heart to understand and embrace it!
Mitchel & Sarah,
So much of what you go through as a new parent is akin to culture shock... everything is new territory, and it really does 'surface' so much in yourself (feelings, awe, questions, inadequacies and vulnerabilities), and even though this is all good, it's all so exhausting and feels like it'll last forever (it doesn't). What a great window of opportunity though for God's grace to be experienced (and extended to each other) in the midst of it all!! You're in my prayers today,
Love,
Brenda
we are having a baby today!!!
ahhh! sylv just gave me this address today so i could get my daily fix of cute baby. congrats mitch and sarah!! so happy for you guys, and the little one is ah-dor-ah-bulllll. love and appreciate the name too! we'll see if this calvin develops a jaunty cowlick and an aversion to babysitters
--katherine, hee-non
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