“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5,
I had a lot of time to think and reflect and pray and read yesterday when I was waiting for my wife during her surgery. I saw a lot of people come and go through the surgery waiting room. Some were there for outpatient surgery like us. Others were there for much more serious illnesses. In the midst of the waiting there was a wonderful celebration of life. The hospital plays Brahm’s Lullaby every time a baby is born. I was blessed to hear that song four times Tuesday.
What a testimony that simple song is in a culture like ours where today the death of children is applauded in state legislatures and efforts to preserve life are ridiculed and mocked. What a day for grieving recently when our Governor signed a bill making New Jersey the eighth state to legalize euthanasia. At the beginning and end of life we do not value people created in the image of God as we should.
As I think of my own family as Psalm 127 declares I consider myself blessed with wonderful rewards from God. Children are a blessing. But so are the Elderly. And so are the infirm, and those who suffer, and those who struggle in many ways. I applaud the hospital for offering an opportunity to celebrate life each time a child is born in that facility. It may not seem like much, but it is a testimony that speaks loudly for those who have ears to hear.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:13-16
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