My Heart is Full

...who can live except Yahweh has ordained it?

Pagan Prophet in Numbers 24:23

Good morning, Father. It's 7 o'clock in the morning. The past 2 ½ days have been emotionally exhilarating. Elijah Michael Priestley was ushered into life on the outside two days ago at 2:07 PM. He weighed 5 lbs., 14 oz. and measured 20 in. And he is altogether adorable. Father, at the moment of his appearing, I was once again overtaken by the unlimited depths of your creativity, marvelous design, and fathomless faithfulness.

God, sitting here keeping watch over him as he sleeps in his hospital bassinet as well as Elizabeth as she sleeps in her bed, I’m overwhelmed with the goodness of your gifts. This new sensation of caring intensely for the well-being, righteousness, happiness, and safety of two people instead of one is something entirely new to me.

Thank you for new life. Thank you for ordaining the development of these bright colorful eyes, tiny fingernails, and skillful lungs. Thank you for the blessing of togetherness throughout the duration of delivery, and please, please comfort and encourage those young women who were obviously laboring alone that night across the hall. If the fathers are elsewhere, please consume them with conviction and motivation for being with their children throughout the rest of their lives.

Enable Elizabeth and me through your awesome wisdom to take advantage of every God-moment and opportunity to show your glory and greatness to Elijah. May no single second pass by when we are not revealing to Him the security, joy, and awe of trusting in his Abba, and the passionate pursuit of people who do not yet trust you. I look forward with anticipation to the days when Elijah considers whether or not he will also become a Jesus Follower. May we remove all obstacles that would stand in his way, and may he be targeted by your Holy Spirit with sovereign grace.

So this is daddyhood. My heart is full.