A couple of weeks ago, God unexpectedly placed a 5 lb. little bundle of newborn life into our home through fostering. And boy (or should I say, “girl”) were we surprised, not to mention instantly in love.
This little life does nothing but eat, sleep, and poop on repeat. She’s fully dependent on others to feed, clothe, and protect her. And even though she hasn’t yet said a single word, she’s already brought so much joy to our home. She’s changed our family for the better in amazing ways.
New life has a way of doing that—changing things for the better. Here are some changes we’ve seen in our home as a direct result of this new life.
Increased Love
There’s no denying it. A baby brings about love in the air. It’s almost impossible to avoid leaning in for that “baby-smell” head-sniff or the obligatory kiss on the forehead when she’s held. Our two teenage boys have fallen in love with this helpless little ball of life, ready at a moment’s notice, or the slightest whimper, to hold her, sooth her, or help put her to sleep.
There’s an amazing feeling of satisfaction in giving love to a little life that has no ability to give it back, but simply trusts you to meet her every need.
Increased Generosity
When our church family and other friends heard about this new life coming to our home, they quickly rallied around us to meet the needs of this little girl. Their kindness and generosity was nothing short of a beautiful demonstration of the love of Christ at work to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It’s been powerful to see such life-giving generosity on display.
Increased Sacrifice
My wife and I are in our mid-forties, so having a newborn again was in some ways going to be a “leap of faith.” But we decided a long time ago when entering fostering that our lives are not our own. We are simply part of a much bigger story that God is writing and so we will follow as the Lord leads. And we’re so glad we did.
Charity has made the most obvious sacrifices of the daily time commitment in raising a newborn, sleepless nights, and other inconveniences. Our boys have also stepped up to the plate to make needed sacrifices of their time to fill in the gaps for mom to focus on the baby’s needs.
For me personally, the greatest sacrifice has been sleeping with a light on in our bedroom for the baby’s sake, which is simply an annoyance. (I know, I’ve got it rough.)
New Life Changes Everything…
New life not only changes everything in a home, but also in a heart.
All of this reminds me of what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:15&17:
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again… Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Once we experience new life in Christ, everything changes!
Our life is no longer our own, but the life of Christ becomes ours, as we begin living a life of increased love, generosity, and sacrifice to the world around us. This includes to those who don’t reciprocate these things back to us, whether that be at home, work, church, or anywhere else. This also includes learning to love the people and things that sometimes simply annoy us.
This is not always easy, but it is the power of the Gospel at work in us. God has given us NEW LIFE, and new life changes EVERYTHING!
Have you been changed by Jesus and given new life in Christ?
How are you doing at allowing this new life to do it’s God-given work of changing everything about you to become more like Jesus?
