RANDOM REFLECTIONS
The past month has been a unique and joyful period of our lives. This post is more of a series of random reflections on what we are learning as a family, and the blessings we have received.
First and foremost, the addition of Noemi Grace to our family has brought an immeasurable amount of joy, not only to Sarah and me, but to our children as well. I cannot imagine another baby sister that is so adored. The children are enraptured with Noemi. In fact, they love having a baby around so much they keep asking if we can have another one… maybe two!
Of course, in caring for a little one, sleep is a bit more difficult to come by. Sarah is trying to find rest throughout the day, and has been doing very well in her recovery. Thankfully, for a 3 week old baby, Noemi sleeps very well. She is sleeping 5 to 5½+ hours through the night, and I have a hunch she would sleep even longer if we allowed her to. At this stage, Sarah still needs to feed her on a more regular schedule. We are looking forward to the 4 week mark when we can start letting her sleep even longer. Thankfully, all of our children began sleeping through the night by 10 weeks, with the average being closer to 6 weeks. This, for us, is the first “big” milestone. It would be great if Noemi reaches this mark next week.
Since I generally do not have to wake up early during the week, I have been doing my best to get up and change Noemi after Sarah feeds her either late in the evening or early in the morning. I confess, I never did this with any of the other children. (Yes, I realize that does not win me any “Father of the Year Awards”). This provides a great reminder, though, of the sacrifices Sarah has made over the years in caring for our children. She has spent countless early morning hours feeding, changing, and caring for our little ones.
We have been on an extended break since the end of April. I have not preached for 5 Sundays in a row. This is the longest stretch I have gone without preaching over the last 15 years. Although I missed a couple of Sundays right after Noemi’s birth, it has been refreshing to be in church services to simply sing praises to God, and listen to His Word proclaimed. I am reminded of how vital the ministry of a good local church is for believers. I am grateful for those within the Body of Christ who are ministering to me and my family.
On the topic of ministering to our family, an unexpected blessing came through two “table showers” for Noemi (one from Lighthouse Baptist Church and the other from Bensalem Baptist Church). We received so many generous gift cards that have helped as we purchase supplies for the baby. It would be hard to express how encouraging and helpful these gifts have been.
This coming Sunday will be our first time back out on the road. We are traveling to the Western part of Pennsylvania and look forward to being at First Baptist Church (Grove City, PA). This will also be the first time we stay in our RV for a trip. Following the services on Sunday, we are heading back to Millville, PA (where I pastored), and we will spend a few days at Knoebles Amusement Park where we will park our RV at their Campground site. Knoebles, in my view, is the best family amusement park in the world—by far! Our kids are really looking forward to this mini-vacation. The following Sunday (Father’s Day), we will have the privilege to be back at Emmanuel Baptist (Millville, PA). It will be wonderful to reconnect with good friends.
We are grateful for the blessings God has richly bestowed upon us. We are not worthy of the least of His favor, but because of Jesus, He gives us everything we need… and so much more!
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