Days of Purpose

From Newsletter June 2023

These last weeks have been ones of joy – joy in the sweet and joy in the hard. As our family balances these times of joy with previous loss and grieving with friends, we are reminded of the faithfulness of the Lord in all seasons. Those newborn days have rarely come easily in our home and it has been a gift to experience an easier baby. I recently encountered this quote from Edith Escombe of the original PNEU:

“Wherever in this human existence there are men and women there will be love, and so long as love finds expression in human passion there will be continuity of this human race, and eternal spring for ever blossoming on the old earth. And for this let us be thankful, thankful that there will always be babies to bring joy and gladness into hearts and lives that need their presence, and have made a fit welcome for their reception.”

-Edith Escombe, “Of Babies”, PR16.279

These days have been a reminder of the purpose this baby has, not just as his own person, but to bring joy to those around him and teach us. Mason herself says that the arrival of the baby teaches other children patience and grace. It reminds me of my purpose in our family’s decision that I stay home. These days are precious and on the mornings the house looks like calamity struck or we fail to be our best selves, I remember that this is habit-training and joy-filling in turn for every member of the house. It’s not a slog, but rather I am reminded to make a “fit welcome.” He knew we needed the presence of this little one and every reaction to every need is an opportunity to teach myself and the little ones around me how to respond to this gift.