July 25th, 2023: Welcome a New Life

Our daughter-in-law went to the hospital to deliver our first grandchild. We were filled with immense excitement and gratefulness. This new experience brings with it a profound sense of responsibility and commitment. Welcoming a new continuation of the family line is always a joyous occasion for the rest of our clan.

Some may wonder why we are so excited by the arrival of a new life if life itself is considered a result of cosmic chance. While the act of conception may seem simple and the biological science behind it miraculous, its meaning extends far beyond the physical realm into something more deeply spiritual.

This little one will join a large family ahead of him and may even welcome more members in the future. Honoring our family tradition is a way of acknowledging that we believe God's guiding hand has been with us since the beginning of time. We find comfort in the belief that God is present with us throughout life, from its inception to every new beginning, including death.

When people ask me how it feels to become a grandfather, my response is that it deepens my awareness of the preciousness of life itself. I refuse to trivialize this gift. Embracing this perspective allows us to see the greatness of life anew every single day.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29: 11