Monday Morning
Isaiah is half naked with a broom in his hand. The warm weather we had this weekend revived all the flies in Siloam Springs and they are currently living in my front room. Isaiah responded to this by taking off his pants and diaper and grabbing a broom to destroy them…. he gets that from his father.
My son is a wonderment. I see so much graciousness in him, more so than what Garrett and I have. When I see things that I know I couldn’t have possibly done, but they are so good and wonderful that someone has to take credit, I usually just blame it on God. I think Isaiah is who he is because of God. I haven’t completely worked out that line of reasoning, but I know he is so pure and good that I couldn’t take credit for that.
Yesterday Isaiah was baptized. It took less than five minuets but, I am certain, changed my life forever. For our family, Isaiah’s baptism was a recognition of his membership into the church and the acknowledgement that God redeems us to Himself even before we can acknowledge it through faith. Something about that baptism flipped a switch and reminded me that, “WHOA! This is a human life!” His soul has assigned value in Creation, he is a member in the Kingdom of God, he matters, and I am in charge of his care. THAT was a bit overwhelming. I can say, though, I am thankful that I was given this child, and this assignment, but it isn’t to be completed alone. I have Garrett. Garrett is BEYOND awesome as a father and friend. We also have our community. Our church. Our friends. All these people who are willing to link arms with us and help guide Isaiah, in love, toward a life that is his to live…
Stupid tears
This weekend reminded me, in SO many ways, to hold fast to those who are willing to not take the easy way out. Hold fast to those who will confront the hard stuff with you. Hold fast to those who will affirm that there is good in your despite your shortcomings. Hold fast to the piece of innocence in all of us….
It is that mix of dirt and deity. That innocence and love that shows on my son’s face (even when he half naked annihilating flies).
Happy Monday Y’all.
The responsibility that comes with raising a child is overwhelming, and I think every day that I have no idea how single parents do it; I can hardly hold it together with my husband here to help!
But you’re right about the importance of knowing you belong to something larger–a church, a faith, a family. Children are so overwhelmingly human, and it’s easy sometimes to only see the good or only see the bad. But they’re the same mix as the rest of us, the contagious enthusiasm that comes with stripping and attacking bugs. I’m grateful for those moments when we can see them as the complex people they are, and really love them for it.
Children are a gift and it’s wonderful that you are able to see this and appreciate your roll as a guide. I had to laugh though at the idea that Garrett may have to take his pants and diaper off in order to kill flies…too funny.
I am so happy that Norah and I were able to be there. I love that kid.
Aww, congrats on his baptism! =)
“he gets that from his father”
Killing flies with a broom or
taking off his pants and diaper in the living room?
Both Jen, both