Mark's Blog

Our ninth grandchild was born just hours ago. I thought I would just take a moment and share with you some thoughts.

1.  With each grandchild, I think I became more aware of the inherent danger of childbirth to my daughters.  We hardly think about this anymore, but have you noticed how in the old western movies, it is always the old men who are looking for a young bride. Historically, one woman died in childbirth for every 100 live births. It was a fact of life.  Some think that was part of the curse at the fall. We are blessed with great medicine now, and in developed countries, the dangers are handled almost routinely. In sub-Sahara Africa, one woman in 16 will die from childbirth.  Thank you, God, for every safe delivery of every new life.

2.      God has a plan for this child. I am strong believer in the Psalmist words 

“My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

            ¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
            All the days ordained for me
            were written in your book
            before one of them came to be.  (139:15-16)

This means for me that there are no children who are “surprises,” that each is on a path from Day One, and that God is the Guide. For me, this insight took away much of the fear involved with “what if I am not a good parent.” This is God’s child first and foremost. It is His Will that this child has everlasting life, and He will do everything necessary for this child to be saved.

3.     A Plan does not mean Protection from every evil. Two of our nine grandchildren have needed medical intervention in their first days of life in order to keep them alive. There is no right to life. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

 4.     Some grandparents are very influential; others less. With each grandchild, my role may be different—I don’t know and it is usually not my decision—but whether for more or less, I want my impact to be for God. That is the only legacy that really matters.

5.     The ninth one is just as exciting as the first one! Now Sherry’s dad and Opal have 33 grandchildren, so I don’t know if this holds true for everyone. The creation of life from nothing is perhaps God’s greatest work. Our oldest grandchild has been born again! It’s the same miracle.