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| Charlotte Joy |
I’m a seasonal person. I like change. For many years I lived in the Northwest where four times a year definitive changes occurred in the weather; but many people love consistency and their lifestyle reflects that. They choose to live in a climate that is warm year round where they can walk sandy beaches or catch boisterous waves along the shore. Then there are others who are energized by a wet climate. They don’t fuss with umbrellas or worry about hairstyles, and their greatest thrill is zipping down a snow-covered mountainside, or climbing a muddy hillside in search of a distant treasure. Their reward is in the hunt. But for me, the excitement comes when I see the first sprout of green in the spring; a harvest of juicy tomatoes in the summer; golden leaves in the fall; and the first flakes of snow of the winter.
Out of each of those seasons comes a unique lesson for me. Right now, with fall in the air, I’m reminded of the year my husband and I visited the New England states. October was perfect timing for seeing an array of brilliant reds, yellows and oranges dotting the landscape of green.
Along our many stops, we visited a farm where sap was harvested to make maple syrup. Fascinated by the huge maple leaves, I turned one over to view the underside of the leaf, and discovered intricate veins running throughout which nourished the tips and provided a skeleton to the delicate pattern and shape of the leaf. I was prompted to compare the leaves of other trees, as well, noting the difference in each variety - similar, yet each leaf uniquely different.
Similarly, I reflected on God’s design for each of us; some people are tall and thin while others are sturdy and stocky. Others are petite with bone structures small and delicate. Through each of these individuals I see that God has made us uniquely different, and he has a purpose for each of our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV says “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.”
Never has this scripture become so real to me than recently when my husband’s daughter gave birth to a precious baby girl. Shortly after the birth, doctors discovered that the baby had Down Syndrome, and that she had a heart defect. A wide array of emotions consumed the family as we tried to come to grips with the illnesses of this little child. Coming from families who have strong beliefs rooted in prayer, messages were quickly sent far and wide asking friends and family members to pray.
Soon after that, I received a text message from a wonderful Christian friend reminding me of Psalm 139:14 which states, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Her encouraging words went on to say she believes that God hand-picks the parents to which he can entrust these little angels. This same message was confirmed by my brother-in-law who knows the family, and stated that he couldn’t have picked a better family to lovingly raise this child. As I was praying God gave me a mental picture of Jesus cupping this tiny infant in his hands, exclaiming over his awesome handiwork and just loving on this little baby. Peace and joy flooded my heart as I realized God doesn’t make mistakes. He has a special plan for each of our lives – even when we don’t understand difficult circumstances, or question what the future holds.
I was reminded that God wants us to look for the beauty that he created in each individual. I believe it brings him pleasure when we celebrate the differences he places there. After all, he created us in his image, and he has a deliberate plan for each of us. Psalm 139:16-17 states that we are precious in his sight and his thoughts about us outnumber the grains of sand. He has also written in his book all the days he has planned for us – even before we took our first breath!
Wow! I feel confident that I can trust this amazing, living God who numbers even the hairs of our head, Matthew 10:30. He gives each of us gifts to use for his glory. And I can rest in the assurance that God will use little Charlotte
Now as I celebrate this wonderful new fall season, I can honestly say, “I celebrate you, Jesus, the giver of life - the creative life of little Charlotte
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| Brother, Riley & Sister, Janelle caresses baby Charlotte |
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| Sister, Natalie enjoys Charlotte |
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| Proud papa rocks Charlotte |
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| Faith, loves on her new daughter |
