One in the Lord

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (NKJV)

This past Sunday, we shared in the baptism of a handsome little boy and promised to support him and help raise him surrounded with the love of the church. What a joyous celebration! Now today, Lori Stanly Roeleveld (with All God Creatures) shared a wonderful story. Sometimes there are multiple life-lessons to be learned.  

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One Sunday, my daughter called, “A new goat baby was born while we were at church. Come see!”

My twelve-year-old grandson asked to come along. He lives a few towns over and always hated seeing the babies “when they were already days old.” While we were cooing over the new addition, the pregnant mama in the next stall began shifting and moaning. “Oh boy,” my daughter announced. “If you have time to stick around, you’ll be able to see the next one born.”

Christian was so excited. He’d never seen anything being born, and I was excited, having never seen a goat deliver. We cheered her on and waited as she labored. Christian wondered what markings the baby would have and looked at the other goats, trying to guess what this one would look like before it appeared.

When mama goat finally delivered, we were overjoyed at her healthy son covered with dark black fur, which she quickly cleaned. We didn’t have to wait much longer when his sister emerged. She was such a surprise, covered with snow-white hair. “Wow!” Christian remarked. “That’s how we’re supposed to see things, isn’t it? No matter what color we are outside, we’re all brothers and sisters.”

I quietly prayed that he would always see the world this way. Our church family includes people of various ethnicities, differing abilities, and a range of skin colors. I’m glad my grandchildren get to see that people who look different can enjoy unity in Jesus.

We spent a long time getting to know all the new goat babies. My husband asked Christian about his favorite. “How can I pick? They are all beautiful in their own way. But I do like the twins of different colors. They are perfect.”

God keeps telling the story of His love through all creation to each generation. I’m glad some hear and understand.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Loving Father, help us never to forget how much You love Your children of all ages. Teach us to love as You do. AMEN.