Babies

by James Whiteaker

I held a baby Wednesday night. I had forgotten this feeling. She held out her hands to me and I could not resist. I could only think of God when he said, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" ( Matthew 11:28).
The day had been typical as it is for all of us. I was tired but this took it all away. I was accepted for me. It had been a long time since I held a baby. Many young mothers are thinking "big deal". And I say it is. I am envious of those who have that joy every day. When she put her head on my shoulder I could feel the contentment flow from my shoulder to my toes. It lasted only a moment because she was active and happy, but a balm nonetheless. I had forgotten how they squirm. It amazes me that you can hold on to one for a whole service. Many of you have this wrestlemania every service but know that what you do is beneficial to us all. "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). You are God's hand here. When we hear a cry during worship or watch one jump, we can be assured that another Christian is in the making.
While writing I cannot fathom how one could destroy a life so precious whether in the womb or in a school. We have much work to do to stop this destruction. There are ministries connected with our love of children. I am glad to see this emphasis in our family. There is work here for all, in our ministries, in the political process, and in our private lives. "To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin" ( James 4:17).
I held a baby Wednesday night and I am better for it.

• Baby Talk -Mar 27, 2005
• New Commandment -Jan 16, 2005