Every parent thinks his and her child is beautiful. Every parent, usually when the child is a newborn, talks as if the child has impeccable manners, irrefutable courtesy, and amazing grace. There are some who tell of the intelligence found in one just days old. Those who have not had kids are not quite suite what to do with all the stories. Others who have experienced the parent, newborn child days simply smile. When it isn’t your child, belief is optional.
So it was for me and the long and tall stories of Yee. At least it was my unbelief until I spent an hour or so watching and experiencing what it was like having her share her world with me. As I reflect, I find myself saying as others have “said to the woman, ‘We're no longer taking this on your say-so. We've heard it for ourselves and know it for sure.’” (John 4.42a) Yee is fantastic! Her smile is seducing, her attention riveting, and being with her brings a sense of peace and purpose; she is only three weeks old! I could go on to say that she is cute, adorable, and wonderful which is all true but it merely illustrates the web memories she created have already spun.
I wonder how often I do not believe simply because the news seems too good to be true. Even with the initial evidence I often resist following my sense out to the logical conclusion. The barrier does start and end with babies; it applies to new ideas, different ways of thinking, and even to my view of God.
Today the sun shines bright on a cool day in Tokyo. Everything and anything is possible. There is a God reaching out to you and to me, passionately wanting to share the essence of what makes God God; it is almost, like Yee, impossible to describe yet words like unconditional acceptance, community, and hope are all part of the unfinished equation. I hope you briefly met Yee in my words; even more I hope you meet God.
