Bringing Up Babies
As I sit here holding my two-week-old baby boy, James Tyler, in my arms, I do it with tears streaming down my cheeks. I am in awe of the tiny miracle that he is. A thousand questions and worries circulate in my mind as I look down at him. But as I stare more intently, I get distracted by his perfect, tiny features: his paper thin fingernails on the tips of small, grasping hands; the wrinkle-free softness of his skin; those gray-blue eyes framed by long, dark lashes. Then there's the comforting sound of his gentle breathing and the sweet smell of baby. All God's handiwork, all perfection. I'm grateful for each moment I get to spend basking in the joy of his existence, and I'm so glad he's mine.
In much the same way that I will always be amazed that a mighty oak was once the smallest of acorns, I continue to be wonderstruck by the mysteries of conception, gestation, and childbirth. I've studied biology and understand the roles of DNA, cells, fertilization, etc. and how they work to aid in the development of a brand new human life. Still, science can't explain why all these things happen the way they do, only the originator and creator of the world can do that. But, God decides to keep some aspects of His creation a mystery to us (which is fine by me). He could have created the human life cycle in a myriad of ways, yet He chose to have us begin as infants who mature all too quickly into adults. Already, I look at my 18-month-old son, Charlie, and desperately wish he would stop growing so fast. I'm worried that I might miss some pivotal moment or opportunity to show love or correction. Right now, I am loving the "baby" season of my boys' lives, and as I hold them, I can't help but wonder why we start out as babies and why they captivate us so much.
I guess it's because, as a Christian, I can relate so intimately with babies. I recognize and submit to the Lordship of Christ over my life while at the same time recognizing God as my heavenly Father and creator. He is my provider, protector, and comforter, in much the same way that I fulfill these roles for my children; yet, God (unlike myself) does these things faithfully and perfectly. In His eyes, I am forever His child, His baby. I depend, or at least I should depend, on Him to meet my every need. While I can meet most of the physical and mental needs of my children, only God can fully meet these needs in addition to their spiritual ones. In a way, it's comforting to know that I don't have to be perfect or have it all figured out, but I can turn to the one who holds their futures in the palm of His hand.
My babies have pointed me to and have encouraged me to draw closer to God without the ability to speak. Newborns are completely dependent on their parent(s), which is part of what I think God wants to teach us through the gift of parenthood: total dependance on Him. Babies need our love, protection, and provision - the same things that God promises to give to all His children. Just as we take delight in giving these things to our kids, so the Lord delights in giving these things to us. But being given the responsibility of shepherding the souls of your children and caring for their needs can be a daunting task, which is why parenting serves as a constant reminder of my daily need for God. I am inadequate. I will fail many times over in the areas of patience, discipline, unconditional love, protection, being just, etc. Thankfully, I serve a perfect God who loves and forgives and guides imperfect parents. Because of who He is, I know I can confidently surrender my life and my family to Him and cast all my cares His way.
Babies and children teach us so much about faith. Until I had kids, I was not a worrier. Now, I worry day and night about their health and safety. Because of this, I've had to claim the promises of Matthew 6 and learn to have faith and give my boys to God.
Although I'm sure that I will continue to worry every now and then about my children, I find so much peace in knowing that God holds them in His hand. Because of this truth, I can enjoy each day with them and look forward to each stage and season of their lives. I wait with anticipation for the day when they become fast friends and embrace their relationship as brothers. I
pray for the day when they will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and allow Him to transform their lives and use their talents for Him. That's the end to which we parent.
Since James was named after my dad and grandfather as well as my favorite book of the Bible, I wanted to start off the first month of my youngest son's life by reading through this New Testament book, memorizing key verses, and praying these Scriptures and promises over both Charlie and James Tyler. I hope they both seek the Lord and that their lives are patterned after the principles of practical, powerful Christian living taught in this book. I pray that Charlie and James Tyler will be blessed by their obedience to and love for God. I pray also that they learn to love and follow God because they first saw these things modeled (and not just talked about) by JT and I in our home.
In the meantime, I wake up everyday both honored and humbled by the overwhelming responsibility of raising children created in the image of God. I continue to be grateful to God for granting me these two precious blessings and trusting me to bring up my boys in the way they should go, so in the end, they will not depart from it (paraphrase of Proverbs 22:6).
Let the adventure begin...
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| JAMES TYLER HORNBUCKLE July 14, 2014 7 lb., 2 oz. |
I guess it's because, as a Christian, I can relate so intimately with babies. I recognize and submit to the Lordship of Christ over my life while at the same time recognizing God as my heavenly Father and creator. He is my provider, protector, and comforter, in much the same way that I fulfill these roles for my children; yet, God (unlike myself) does these things faithfully and perfectly. In His eyes, I am forever His child, His baby. I depend, or at least I should depend, on Him to meet my every need. While I can meet most of the physical and mental needs of my children, only God can fully meet these needs in addition to their spiritual ones. In a way, it's comforting to know that I don't have to be perfect or have it all figured out, but I can turn to the one who holds their futures in the palm of His hand.
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| "...though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." PSALM 37:24 |
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 PETER 5:7
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| Moose & Baby James |
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
MATTHEW 6: 31-34
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| CHARLES EVERITT HORNBUCKLE January 21, 2013 7 lb., 0 oz. |
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| Giving Baby Brother a Kiss |
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
JEREMIAH 29:11-13
Since James was named after my dad and grandfather as well as my favorite book of the Bible, I wanted to start off the first month of my youngest son's life by reading through this New Testament book, memorizing key verses, and praying these Scriptures and promises over both Charlie and James Tyler. I hope they both seek the Lord and that their lives are patterned after the principles of practical, powerful Christian living taught in this book. I pray that Charlie and James Tyler will be blessed by their obedience to and love for God. I pray also that they learn to love and follow God because they first saw these things modeled (and not just talked about) by JT and I in our home.
Do not merely listen to the word...Do what it says...[for] whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
JAMES 1:22 & 25
In the meantime, I wake up everyday both honored and humbled by the overwhelming responsibility of raising children created in the image of God. I continue to be grateful to God for granting me these two precious blessings and trusting me to bring up my boys in the way they should go, so in the end, they will not depart from it (paraphrase of Proverbs 22:6).
Let the adventure begin...
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