Baby James Gifford arrived on 7 Feb 2008 (1st Day of the Lunar New Year) at 6.58pm. He weighs 3 kilos and measures 51 cm long. He is a beautiful baby with lots of dark brown hair and a small handsome looking face. Debbie was very tired after a long day and we were too, waiting at home for news from John who was by her side.
All day long I was mulling over the birth of my first grand child; not knowing what we will receive. Parents and grandparents relied entirely on God’s grace. Awed by the miracle of birth and groping to find its meaning, the song “I believe” came to mind. There is line in the lyrics - “Every time I hear a new born baby cry, I believe”.
A flower grows
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night
A candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray
Someone will come to show the way
I believe
I believe
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night
A candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray
Someone will come to show the way
I believe
I believe
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer
Will still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
Hears every word
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
Or touch a leaf
Or see the sky
Then I know why
I believe
I believe
Will still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere
Hears every word
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
Or touch a leaf
Or see the sky
Then I know why
I believe
I believe
“What’s the nearest thing to proof that God exists?” David Frost, the famous TV interviewer asked Dr Billy Graham the evangelist once. “The birth of a baby,” Graham answered, “I watched my younger son being born. And the doctor that was delivering the baby looked up at me and he said, “How can anyone see this without realizing that there is a God?”
I was anticipating James throughout these 9 plus months of pregnancy the same way as I was anticipating his mother’s birth 28 years ago. Back then I was more naïve. I was more excited for my firstborn. Nevertheless, I felt the same anxiety and restlessness over the uncertainty of what will come. The same resignation that we can do nothing and that the gift we will receive is entirely up to God. Hardly a day passes without invoking God’s grace, mercy and provision for our family.
Kent Nerburn wrote in Simple Truth, “A child whether of your blood or someone else’s, whether healthy or ill, whether beautiful or misshapen, is one of life’s greatest miracles. It opens your world into a new sunlight and is a gift greater than a dream". Similarly, David the psalmist and king, contemplated,
I was anticipating James throughout these 9 plus months of pregnancy the same way as I was anticipating his mother’s birth 28 years ago. Back then I was more naïve. I was more excited for my firstborn. Nevertheless, I felt the same anxiety and restlessness over the uncertainty of what will come. The same resignation that we can do nothing and that the gift we will receive is entirely up to God. Hardly a day passes without invoking God’s grace, mercy and provision for our family.
Kent Nerburn wrote in Simple Truth, “A child whether of your blood or someone else’s, whether healthy or ill, whether beautiful or misshapen, is one of life’s greatest miracles. It opens your world into a new sunlight and is a gift greater than a dream". Similarly, David the psalmist and king, contemplated,
'Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous -- and how well I know it.' Psalm 139:14.
I am blessed to be a grandfather. We received a miracle called James. Praise God along with us.
Lionel
Lionel
Praise God. We share your rejoicing with God's gift of such a beautiful and perfect baby to your family.
ReplyDeleteLionel and Pat
ReplyDeleteCongrats for being grandparents. ! How touching is the miracle of birth. I must say that your grandson looks very handsome. Praying that he will grow into a godly man.
Dear Lionel and Pat,
ReplyDeleteHappy Chinese New Year to you from Burundi, in Africa! I am very happy for the both of you, for the birth of your grandson James, and rejoice with you, Debbie and her husband. God's blessings be upon this child, Debbie and her husband, you and your family!
Uncle Lionel, a great little read that sounds familiar, thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt would seem reading your blog that you had 'growing pains' of an expectant first time grandfather. My father was very much the same with Ashleigh as she was his first grandchild. Doing what he could to figure out what it was to be a grandfather was uplifting yet funny to watch all at the same time. If you listen to him he will tell you being a grandfather has given him so much more to smile about everyday.
Congrats once again on the blessed arrival of little James.
Hi Lionel and Pat
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the arrival of your grandson! Thanks for sharing with us. We rejoice with u and your family in this perfect gift from God.
Happy Rat Year!
May you continue to prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3John2)
Dear Lionel & Pat,
ReplyDeletePraise the LORD for the miracle and the gift of baby James. We rejoice with you both and also with Debbie and John. Please convey our best wishes to them. What a wonderful CNY gift. You are indeed blessed to be the proud first-time grand parents. May GOD bless James richly and fill him with the love, wisdom and strength from Jesus Christ our Lord.
Have a Very Happy & Blessed Chinese New Year.
Congrats to the new Ah Kong and Ah Ma! I share your joy and excitement of this blessed creation of God. Do send my blessings also to Debbie & John for the gift of James
ReplyDeleteThanks, Uncle Lionel. This grandchild of you is inheriting a profound and faithful legacy because of you and his namesake. What a great beginning, already! Blessings on you and Aunty Pat - I just know you will be excellent grandparents
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! first time grandparents, dear Lionel & Pat! A beautiful baby James indeed is and he marks a new beginning for everyone in your family as you journey along with him through all his milestones & life path
ReplyDeleteDear Lionel & Pat,
ReplyDeleteXin Nian Quai le !!!!!!!
With such an extra-ordinary blessing of being grand parents at the very 1st day of the Chinese Lunar Year, I share the joy with you, Debbie and John for the blessed Newly born brother of Jesus - James!!!!!.
I have enjoyed reading your contemplation messege, may God uphold your joy, kindness, care and love for the Church.
May God bless you, Debbie & John for glorifying Him with such a wonderful joy upon James' birth.
Dear Lionel and Pat
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Once again, tks for sharing your precious thoughts with us. I look forward to reading more of your contemplation as you embark on grandparenthood.
Enjoy!
with love and praise for God, our heavenly father
Congratulations, Lionel & Pat, on the birth of your first grandson!
ReplyDeleteBlessed Lunar New Year
Sons are a heritage from the Lord,
Children a reward from Him. (Ps 127:3)