New Term, New Blessings

 

A new term has begun for Lawrence County government, and with it comes a renewed sense of responsibility, optimism, and gratitude. But this new term has also brought a new blessing into my life—one that has already reminded me of what really matters.

This week, I became a grandfather.

My son Ben and Miley welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Maylee Kay Morgan, into the world. I could not be more proud of them or more thankful for this precious new life God has entrusted to our family.

Of course, I would like to be called “Grandfather.” I think it has a certain dignity to it, and maybe it’s time we bring the original name back! But I have a feeling I’ll have very little say in the matter. And that’s perfectly fine. Maylee can call me whatever she wants—just so long as she calls me.

It’s amazing how quickly a newborn can change your perspective.

We spend so much of our lives rushing from one responsibility to another. There are meetings to attend, decisions to make, budgets to balance, problems to solve, people to serve, and plans to make for tomorrow. Those things matter. I take my responsibilities seriously, and I am grateful every day for the privilege of serving the people of Lawrence County.

But then you hold a newborn baby.

Everything gets quiet.

Suddenly, the meeting can wait. The phone can wait. The next problem can wait. You realize that slowing down and holding a newborn may be one of the best investments of time you will ever make.

Maylee has already reminded me of something I have always believed: life is precious, and new life is worth protecting, preserving, and celebrating.

There is something almost overwhelming about the vulnerability of a newborn child. Human babies enter this world completely dependent upon someone else. They cannot feed themselves, protect themselves, or provide for themselves. They simply trust the arms holding them.

That has always astonished me.

Maybe God designed it that way in part to remind us of our own dependence upon Him. No matter how old we become, how accomplished we may be, or how much responsibility we carry, we never outgrow our need for our Heavenly Father. We need His wisdom, His strength, His protection, and His grace every single day.