The Newest Family Member

Previously posted on my web site http://extravagantlife.net/site/ in February 2009. Copyright Mary Singer Wick 2009.

“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:17).

On January 12, 2009 a new member of our earthly family made his grand entrance into our lives, and we’ve been celebrating ever since. That day afforded me an extra blessing when my sister-in-law virtually invited me into the delivery room with a text message from her Blackberry to my cell phone. We all knew my niece, and her husband, had gone to the hospital that morning, but I never expected to know the exact time she was pushing her firstborn into the world. Please indulge me as I share that special day.

It might help you to understand a few things about me before I recap this story. First, I’m not very technically savvy. In fact, I’m still figuring out how to use my cell phone having switched from a land-line last May! I didn’t know how to compose and send a text message, let alone reply to one. But on that sunny January day, I quickly learned that the desperation one feels to communicate can be a great motivator!

The second thing you might want to know about me is that I love my family very much. What happens to them (good or bad) also affects me; our lives are very much intertwined. Perhaps you’re like me, very involved with the lives of those you love whether family or friends; experiencing life on a deep emotional level. Have you ever viewed God this way? If not, I believe you’re missing out on a great blessing. Here’s how He touched my life that day.

As I strolled through our neighborhood that winter afternoon, my walk was interrupted by the buzz of an incoming text message on my phone. Lifting it out of my coat pocket, I selected the “view text” option, and read these words from my sister-in-law who was in the delivery room, “She’s at 10 centimeters and she’s pushing!” Frozen in my tracks (I can’t walk and text at the same time!) my hands were shaking, and I was crying, as I fumbled for the reply button; wondering what to type in response. I’ve never given birth, nor have I witnessed one (T.V. doesn’t count). Would humor serve my niece best, or do I say something profound? Help me, Father! I don’t even know how to type on this phone!

God is so good. He immediately cleared my jumbled mind, and helped me send my first-ever text message. Caught up in the gravity of the moment all I could say was, “Tell her I love her, and that I’m praying for her.” After I pushed the send button, anxiously waiting a reply once the baby was born, I slipped the phone back into my pocket; continuing to walk and cry. Thank goodness for sunglasses!

Traveling in the direction of home, I found myself imagining the scene in the delivery room, and began to pray. So many emotions were flowing out of my heart in those moments. I felt, in some small way, I was partaking in my niece’s journey into motherhood as if I was standing beside her. She was about to experience something I never had, and this time I would learn from her. As I praised God for this precious gift, and asked Him to surround my loved ones in that hospital room, I tenderly felt Him surrounding me with these profound words, “Mary, as excited as you are about the addition of this new life into your family, think about how fervently heaven celebrates the welcoming of each new member into my family who believes in my Son as their Savior?”

Wow! I love when God takes an every day event and reveals His word to me at the same time. Within seconds this Scripture came to mind, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:17).

How beautiful is the Father’s heart that rejoices over our physical births. But it doesn’t end there. His greatest joy is over our spiritual rebirth through faith in His perfect Son, Jesus Christ. I’m so glad God reminded me that He loves to welcome new members into His family too.

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary