Today I had the privilege of holding my brand spanking new great niece.
Maddie Lewis. What a pretty name.
What a pretty little girl.
I was the one rocking her as she celebrated her 12th hour outside her mommy’s tummy (pictured above).
All I could do was stare at her, with tears in my eyes, thanking God for such a precious little life.
I just love her little nose.
Admiring her little fingers (and beautiful, tiny nails), I thought about when our son was born almost 37 years ago. How young his mom and I were, and how little we knew about raising children. Yet God entrusted us with a precious little life to care for.
Imperfect parents with a perfect little life to nurture and protect.
Wow.
Holding this precious little life, I thought of her parents. Perfect? No. But that’s never been a requirement. If it was, I’d never have become a dad.
Her parents have flaws like every other human being. Gosh, her daddy is even a Minnesota Vikings fan! Gasp!
But I do know one thing, and that for certain. This precious little life was born into a family that loves her. I mean, REALLY loves her.
God can help her parents navigate this life experience we call parenting, and I know He will. There will be plenty of teaching moments as Maddie grows into the person God created her to be.
Kind of like on the job training.
Time has a way of speeding up with each passing year, and soon Maddie’s mommy and daddy will wonder what happened to their little girl. Even as they enjoy watching her grow, they’ll be a little sad, I’m sure.
I know.
But right now, a precious little life has graced the Lewis family, and all those who are blessed to be called family. She has no hidden agenda, no political viewpoint, and probably doesn’t care if she watches Fox News or CNN.
Yet, just by looking at her, holding her, and seeing the way she scrunches up her nose and reaches her arms over her head to stretch with all her might, one can’t help but realize she has a message for us all.
And that is, life is precious. From the time it starts until it finally is no more. So make the most of it, and get to know the One Who is the Author of life itself.
Precious little Maddie, your message is certainly clear to me.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3 NLT)
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NLT)
Jan Grace 