I must say that participating in the birth of my grandchildren has been much less a workout than when my wife and I had our children. All I really have to do is take pictures, be an encouragement, pray and have a good time.
Capturing the moment and documenting it is a powerful tool as we daily exercise our commitment to Be Life to family. That moment early this morning when I heard my granddaughter take her first breath was breathtaking. It was an exhilarating moment bringing together my own high pulse rate, a flurry of activity and a tremendous rush of joy. There is a sense of accomplishment that far exceeds our own personal endeavors for wealth, happiness and even purpose. It is a rare moment to more deeply experience God’s faithfulness.
In that moment we are encouraged and yet compelled to be an encouragement. We celebrate that the hard work is done for the moment and in the next breath committing to the much harder work ahead of raising this child with real character strength. Physical fitness begins with a cry and every little move she makes. It advances quickly giving her the ability to be functional and the strength to be adventurous. I’m thankful that all my children and grandchildren lead a physically active life.
We’ve all come together to welcome the newest member of our family and to pray. In moments like these it’s easy to see the interplay between physical fitness and spiritual fitness. This isn’t a family reunion, it’s a family in sync. Though each of my children have their own family we’re fortunate to be able to come together regularly. We work together, eat together and play together. It’s much more than just having good conversation or even addressing challenges and solving problems. A fit family has passionate fellowship. We define prayer not just as a corporate dialogue with God but also through every physical expression of our spiritual relationship with each other.
God is the very essence of goodness. I’m having a real good time with this baby right now. Mom (my daughter) now begins the recovery phase of bouncing back after baby. Dad (my son-in-law) will teach his newest daughter that life in Christ is an adventure worth living for. In the days, weeks, months and years ahead the good times will be punctuated with many physical highlights woven together with a spiritual strength that is unmistakably evident.
