That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!†he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!†  Luke 2:8-11 (NLT)
The news yesterday that eclipsed all politics and all crime was the birth of a baby in London, England, a son to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, an heir to Britain’s throne. Most of us who live on this side of “the pond†probably thought the baby looked typically very cute and the parents happy over the healthy birth of their firstborn. But for the British monarchy and the people of that kingdom, it means continuity.
I was reminded of how something small and seemingly helpless can change everything in my life. If I had known what having a child would mean to my everyday life and to the whole of my life, I probably would not have had a child so young. I was 24 when I had my twins so, no, I wasn’t a child but I also was not prepared for the dramatic change in my life. I’m not sure that I’ve ever met anyone who was. Having a child means:
Their needs come before mine. I don’t remember too much about the first two years after the twins were born. Sleep deprivation erases many hours from your memory. We through measles and colds and stomach viruses and colic in those first years. They were totally dependent upon me to provide all that they needed. They demanded my attention. I remember going to the mall one day to pick-up an engraving at a shop and so I parked in a handicapped slot to make this quick and got my double stroller out, 2 three-month-old infants, a huge diaper bag and turned to roll into the mall – and a police officer pulled up behind me. He saw all the paraphernalia and said, “Lady, you are handicapped!†and drove off.
I would protect them with my life. Despite the lack of sleep and never a minute to call my own, I knew from the first moment that I held my children that I would face down any raging bear or criminal to protect them. I am not a lover of guns. I am not a violent person. But if someone or something threatened my children (or grandchildren!) I would not hesitate to do whatever was necessary for their safety.
I begin the understand the complexity and power of love. I found out immediately that my love for my children was not divided between the two of them. It was multiplied. I had plenty of love for both of them and for their brother who came almost eight years later. It truly was like there was a fountain inside of me with love that just kept flowing. I learned that if I allowed it, this love certainly did cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
And so I began to understand more about Father God and His love for me. I could see the perfection of His love vs the imperfection of my own love. I could see how He identified my needs and answered before I even called. I may not like it but I also see when He says “No†when I ask for something that isn’t the best for me and how He allows the consequences of my actions to play out even when it is painful. He wants me to learn from my mistakes. And I see how God will do what it takes to assure me of a place in eternity and when it is time, He will lead me home.
A Baby Changes Everything written by Craig Wiseman and Tim Nichols, sung by Faith Hill
