We seldom realize that we are sent to fulfill God-given tasks. We act as if we were simply dropped down in creation and have to decide to entertain ourselves until we die. But we were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus was. Once we start living our lives with that conviction, we will soon know what we were sent to do.
(Henri Nouwen)
Two weeks ago today, my daughter, Kim, was in heavy afternoon labor and about to birth her second child with the help of her husband and midwife. Well aware that complications were possible, I held my excitement “in check” all day, and found it difficult to focus on much else until Kim finally called later that evening. What a huge relief, honor and joy to hear her exhausted but very excited voice share the news of her son’s safe arrival!
I had seen Kim’s pregnant belly the day before, and had admired her calm courage as she faced the inevitable birthing process. As she allowed me to touch her bulging belly one last time, I found myself wondering. Who is this person within her? What will he bring to his family, and world? What kind of life will he have?
Later that night, within mere hours of his birth, I held my new grandson, Gavin, for the first time. As I marveled at the miracle of his perfect physical features and felt him breathing peacefully, I was overcome with the realization that he was essentially “not from here”, that his ultimate address was “Elsewhere”. That he, like all of us, was SENT to this earth for a specific reason. That he, like all of us, was a spiritual being now in human form and about to have human experiences.
Again, I wondered. What will Gavin bring to the world that only he can bring? What special gifts, talents, interests and desires lie within him? What was he sent here for? I’m excited to be part of his life as he grows up, to encourage him to discover who he is and what he is here for!
What about you? What do you bring to the world that only you can bring? What happens for you, when you think of yourself as sent here for a purpose?
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Welcome to the world Gavin! P.s. you have very wise gma!
I love this Aunt Vicki. It is so beautifully said and echoes the thoughts in my heart when I held Gavin for the first time. It is such an honor to be in his life with you.