With Jacob

(Original appeared May 15, 2016)

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'” Is 43:1
Several people have kindly referred Deb and I to this passage above. Sure, it’s easy to be uplifted with these words of encouragement and strength; to know that if God says “fear not”, then apparently He has things all worked out. But how does this passage truly “speak” to us in our situation. It certainly hits home, given the fact that the name “Jacob” appears in it, and is a statement of love from God to His beloved. Is it a far reach for us to apply the same statement to our own little Jacob (and us) some thousands of years later?
Jacob, just like his sister before him, is a true gift and an answer to many heartfelt prayers. Although neither child came along at a time of our choosing, nevertheless they are here now with us and bless us each day with wonder and amazement. Jacob’s entry into this world has been quite a bit different than Addison’s, of course. But his arrival has given us a wonderful opportunity to marvel at God’s creation and the amazing process of the early formation and growth of a little human being. Each day we witness events transpire which are typically hidden from the eye. Allow me to try to bring this idea home by reciting another beautiful passage:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” Ps 139: 13-14
Despite the anxiety, struggles and occasional fears that arise throughout this process in the NICU, we enjoy front row seats at God’s theatrical presentation of the formation of one of His very own beloved. So far, we’ve witnessed the assembly of motor neurons and their beginning communication with the brain; the formation of fingerprints; the development of the “startle reflex”, the early growth of hair (of which yours truly is very interested); and the opening of the eyelids. We have also witnessed the crash-course of body functions from organs that were not yet developed but have nevertheless begun in such a primitive way. In short, we are living each and every chapter of the popular book “What to Expect When You Are Expecting”.
As tragic as our story seemed on April 9th, all of that is in the distant past as I sit here staring at Deb holding Jacob – the both of them calm and peaceful. This story of ours is by no means unique, but it is so meaningful to us. Although I may have been tempted to shake my fist or to give up to despair or to wonder “why us” over the course of the last 5 weeks, times like this remind me of the many blessings wrapped up in this event. I wouldn’t change them for the world. Thanks for joining us on this wild ride. -R