My first niece, Lillian Esther Jones was born on Tuesday, July 27. My brother in law, Eric, has written her beautiful birth story here. Please read it as I can't do it justice and to hear it all straight from Lilly's father is sweet in it's own way. It's not too long and this post will be here when you get back.
I paused while reading his story at the word, perfect, and the connotations it brings forth. When my students scored 100 on a test, they would get a sticker telling them they were perfect. When I messed up over and over as a teenager, I would tell my parents, "Nobody's perfect." We all strive for perfection in our lives, constantly falling short of that unattainable goal. But God doesn't fall short at all.
James 1:17 says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights."
God has given us Lilly and she is a perfect gift. God made no mistake in giving her to our family, and more specifically to Eric and Mari Jones.
The latter part of James 1:17 says "He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." While our world has changed with Lilly's arrival and her diagnosis of down syndrome, God has not changed at all. He is the same God who formed Lilly in Mari's womb and the same God who knows every hair on her perfect little head. And note that James tells us God doesn't cast a shifting shadow. There is no shadow on our lives now or ever. God has us basking in total and complete sunlight and we don't even have to wear any SPF!
James 1:18 says "He brought us to life using the true word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures." Another translation calls us "His most prized possession."
I can't wait to buy Lilly a little tiny crown and show her off as the prized possession of our Great and Might God!
To Eric and Mari, my only remaining tears that are not tears of joy, are the tears of longing that I have to hold her in my arms and kiss her. Take a number, right?
7 comments:
Lily is a beauty! Glad she has a great mom and dad and such a supportive family. No doubt challenges lie ahead, but it's all worth it. Take care and God's blessings on all of you. Sincerely, Trey, editor, downsyndrometoday.com
She is beautiful and perfect, just the way God intended her to be!! You have an amazing way of saying things and your post as well as Eric's post were beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. She is a gift from God and He knew exactly what He was doing in putting her in that family!
May we praise God for every good checkup Lilly has and every milestone she crosses (which we will be doing often)! She is such a blessing!
Lilly is beautiful--God did and always does know what he's doing! She is His perfect creation!! : )
What a precious, precious baby girl! Enjoy snuggling when you get your hands on her! :)
Great post, Rachel! She's surrounded by love and she is perfect! And congratulations to you on your first niece!!
Rachel, she's beautiful. Praying for all and praising God for sweet Lily. You are going to be such a great aunt to her - she's a lucky girl!!
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