Graham Marc Wolgemuth pushed his way into the hands of the waiting gynecologist and into the welcome embrace of his mother and father with all of the fortitude that his created design could muster. The systems inside his seven pound body were tested immediately as his lungs heaved, then billowed in animated fashion. His dialect was a squeal, but his meaning was unmistakable…
“I’m here!”
“It’s bright!”
“I’m cold!”
“What’s for breakfast?”
“I need you.”
“That was exhausting.”
“Life’s tougher out here… although it was getting a little cramped in there.”
“Take care of me.”
Graham’s grand entrance a week ago ignited the flood of emotions that his parents (Erik and Kendal) had long anticipated while at the same time sending a wave of thanksgiving and delight from Aurora, Colorado to Grandview, Michigan (the addresses of his grandparents) and back again. Yes indeed, Graham is here.
For 42 weeks this wonder of creation had been developing… true to his genetic blueprint and consistent with the plan of God; his birth was a milestone that marked neither the beginning nor the finish of his journey.
A birthday… the day of birth… marks an escape from comfort and familiarity into life. His womb, incredible as it might have been, would have become his prison if he hadn’t escaped on time.
At this milestone, this waypoint, this intersection… there was much celebration. But the somber reality is that a great deal of “heavy lifting” is yet to be done in the life of Graham. He will expect his parents to sacrifice and care and love and nourish and guard… for a long time he will need far more than he can give. But as he does, he will show us the way of Jesus. He will lead us down the theological road toward understanding the plan and the heart of God.
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. ~ John 3:3
Born. Liberated to life. Set free from the familiar.
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. ~ Luke 15:7
To the joyous celebration of a waiting family.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. ~ Matthew 28: 19-20
Then squarely into the strategy of two “twenty something” parents that will come along side this infant until he begins to thrive, and then they will still be there; to share, to learn from… and always to love.
From conception to delivery to adolescence to adulthood… we see the plan of God. The good and beautiful plan of God; for body and for soul.
Welcome Graham. I love you… and as you can tell… you’ve already inspired me.
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