Interruptions and Milestones – Redux

Apparently, even interruptions can be interrupted.

Once again, I am writing from a hospital room.  This time, we are awaiting the birth of our fifth child.  Lori is doing well, but beginning to get discouraged after being here more than 24 hours already.

Several weeks ago, ultrasounds clearly indicated the anticipated arrival to be a girl.  Since then, we have settled on the name “Abigail.”  1 Samuel 25:3 describes Abigail as a “discerning and beautiful” woman.  Translated from Hebrew, the name means “Father’s Joy.”  We trust that, if the Lord wills, she will be all of those and more.

Lori was 37 weeks yesterday, making this delivery about 3 weeks early.  Lori’s struggles with gestational diabetes and high blood pressure convinced the doctors to move things up a bit.  All of us are concerned about little Abigail’s lungs because gestational diabetes delays their development, but we are confident that the Lord is sovereign.  In spite of our fears we will trust in Him.

In a sense, this is not truly an interruption in my desire to further explore the emotions I have been feeling since Dad passed almost three weeks ago.  Perhaps, this is the best way for me to reflect on the father/child relationship.  Today’s milestone is affirmation that life continues.  Indeed, beyond mere continuance, Dad’s legacy grows today, and I am reminded that my role and duty as a father continues into the next generation.

I pray that with every generation, we grow in the knowledge of and love for the Lord.  I pray that God gives me wisdom and strength to bring my children up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” and train my children to do the same.  I vow to teach Abigail and my other children to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

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