Morning Devotional

December 6, 2003

"A Crowning Glory" 

by Don Emmitte

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Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. (Proverbs 17:6 NLT). 

As you may be able to guess from the reading and my recent absence, Mary and I are the proud grandparents of two wonderful children! Faith and Logan were born about fifteen minutes apart on Thanksgiving Day! What a great reminder of the blessings we have been given. 

I received the call from my son and was told to get on the plane for North Carolina early in the evening on Thanksgiving. By the time I could actually book a flight and get there, they had been born and were in the Neonatal ICU. When I arrived I went immediately to the hospital to see Brandy, Faith, and Logan. The thoughts I had were overwhelming. To think that just a few weeks before we were not sure that they would be able to survive outside the womb was sobering. The miracle God had performed was even more magnified because of the many difficulties overcome in their short lives so far. 

As the hours passed into days, I had even more time to ponder their birth. Of course, every birth is a miracle of God. He is the only One capable of giving life. How tragic that we find ourselves confused about that truth! They were just shy of 34 weeks, just a few weeks beyond their second trimester. In the legal world of our culture, their lives could have been forfeited just six weeks earlier! I am proud that Kyle and Brandy never once wavered in their desire to give them every chance at life outside of the womb. Even in the face of many potentially debilitating birth defects, they continued to pray and work toward the birth of their children.  

Some might say that it is easy to say these things in the face of two healthy babies having been born. We will never know the answer to that charge. They are healthy and it is easier to be thankful for that. However, my hope and prayer is that regardless of the outcome, it wouldn’t change how we feel about life. Even before their conception, God knew them and formed them (cf. Jeremiah 1:4-6). Now, He has a plan for their lives (cf. Psalm 139:12-16). It is so exciting to be a witness to this great miracle! It is so wonderful to be a part of that plan. That’s the crowning glory Solomon spoke of in his wisdom. 

Take a moment today and reflect on the lives of your children. Even when you have been disappointed and hurt, thank God for life. Renew your commitment to their lives. Express your love to your children and praise God for His wonderful miracle.