“But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” (Psalm 103:17-18)

 Liam, you have already celebrated seven years, and today I found the first words my love created for you. The scribbled lines fell into my lap and re-awakened the excitement I felt when I first glimpsed you, a month before your birth day.

You were cocooned within your mother’s womb, your thumb raised as if signaling all was well in your little sphere. The ultrasound captured your face, the blurry lines of your profile, the distinction of your eyes. You were, even then, a man of God in the making. Hidden from our world, and yet we locked eyes with you, your arms and legs tiny rounded curves, your life delicate and delightful to us.

Like magic, the photograph brought your form into focus, and we marveled at your perfect beauty and size. Your well-defined lips and full cheeks reminded us of your sister, and we smiled at the distinct resemblance through this watery lens of life.

You were unseen and yet already loved and nestled in our hearts. Your tiny breaths would soon be puffs like those of a miniature train chugging along. Hidden like Moses in his basket in the bulrushes, and yet all the while you were fully visible to God.

It’s as if you were waiting on the platform of the station listening for the horn to blow to beckon you through the dark tunnel into our waiting arms. We promised to collectively hold you close and protect you from all harm, as best as we could possibly manage to do.

That day we inspected your fuzzy form in black and white, traced your outline with our fingers, and imagined all the wonder of you we would come to know. Apparently, you are thriving where you are, and we pray you will continue to flourish on this side too, no matter what comes your way.

Though we can only see dimly, we recognize that your Father knows you inside and out for he knitted you together, crafting you for some great purpose he has his mind. He has formed you for his good pleasure, made you to be his servant to impact the kingdom of earth with the startling truths of heaven.

We are grateful you are in his care. May you know, even in the darkness of your safe haven, that you are marked with love by his gracious hands.

Elizabeth Ann Mitchell

Photo Credit: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash