Our "Baby" Books

Today I took a notion and pulled a strange book off of my book shelf.  It was a book that I hadn't looked at in decades:  The book was my "baby book".

I was amused at the sights within:  I found hair from my first hair cut, a letter from "Santa" (aka Dad) written to me upon his first "visit" after my birth, pictures of my mom and family during a baby shower, my birth certificate, and an assortment of pictures and cards from my birth of various holidays and parties.

Something also struck me as wonderfully odd within the book:  My mom continued to write about me as time progressed through my early life.  There were details of special friends I had made, of pets I had acquired as a young boy and also, unfortunately, reminders of a few injuries I sustained while growing up.

When I read the ongoing accounts, I couldn't help but think of a snippet of scripture: "Before you were in the womb, I knew you..."  Jeremiah 1:5.  The context is that of God speaking to Jeremiah.  The Almighty goes on to tell him that "before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah then converses with God:  "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

God's reply:  "But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.  Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the LORD."

It's evident that God had wonderful plans for Jeremiah since before he was born, and He revealed Himself to Jeremiah when he was only a child.

Just like my aforementioned "baby book", the Lord makes preparations for us.  He knew us before we were even in the womb.  And even after we're born, the Lord is still mindful of us, still concerned and caring for us  (Luke 12: 22 - 32).  He keeps His children accounted for and continues to "write" in our "baby books".

As a mortal man, I can't even begin to fathom what heaven will exactly be like, or all that we will participate in, once we are there.  But I know that we are all special to God, and perhaps one day we'll sit with Him, and He will remind us of how special we have always been to Him - all the joy and jubilation entailed - since He first lovingly knit us together in the womb (Psalm 139:13).

Perhaps as the ongoing accounts in our "baby books" come to a close, the final page will contain a personal message written in God's penmanship:  "Well done, My good and faithful servant."

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Seeing All There is to Sea

There's this deep sea we've all decided to swim in, even though none of us know how to swim.  The lifeguard saw each of us dipping our toes in the water and said, "Don't do it.  Don't go in there.  Head to the other shore along the still and shallow water."  But the water felt fine to our toes. 

Again, the lifeguard warned us.  This time the water felt fine to our calves.  We were warned yet again, repeatedly, but now the water felt wonderful to our thighs and then to our waists and chests until, finally, we were up to our necks in the water.  Before you know it, we were all in over our heads in this sea: once seemingly peaceful enough, now demonstrating its true power with its violent undertows sucking us under. 

The lifeguard threw out a life preserver to each of us: some grabbed a hold and were dragged to safety, never returning to that seductive sea again; some refused the life preserver, believing it wouldn't/couldn't save them, even as they sank to the depths; still others accepted the preserver and were dragged to safety, only to be seduced by the appearance of calm waters again until they were right back up to their necks in the water then over their heads. 

This sea: we all know its name.  We know it quite well.  Some acknowledge it for what it is and refuse to willfully take another dip; others acknowledge it but disregard its dangers, while others pretend that it doesn't even exist, even while wading in its waters and inviting others to join them.

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Of Turtles and Checkers...

I recall catching a turtle with my granddad at my grandparents' house once.  Granddad painted a small red stripe on the back of our carefree friend.  I also remember, ironically enough, coming across that same turtle a year later.  How do I know it was the same turtle?  Though a bit faded, the stripe was still there.  I couldn't believe it!  

And I'll never forget the time when my grandma slipped into the kitchen to make herself, Granddad and me a snack while she and I were playing checkers:  Granddad sneaked into the game-room and taped Grandma's checkers to the board!  She was speechless when the whole board popped up as she tried to move her next checker!  Checkers went flying everywhere, and the game was thrown.  (Most fortunate for me as I was losing!)

It's amazing how small events like that make a big impression on one's life.  Those events took place thirty years ago.  My granddad is no longer with me though he made a positive impact by filling my life with laughter.  I am thankful the Lord gave me the grandparents and parents that He did.  

May we strive to uplift and edify others.  May we paint a smile on the faces of friends, family and, yes, even kind strangers.  To everything, there is a season, and life is quite short - but a season in and of itself.  Just like the turtle with the stripe, may we make a positive impact and lasting impression on others.  

(And, Lord, help me, for sometimes I fail miserably in my daily journey.)

As iron sharpens iron...

Teric Darken

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