The great King David spoke of the joy of a growing flock. "Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD... yea, thou shalt see thy children's children." His son, Solomon the Wise, said, "Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers." Both men's families were less than perfect and their sons caused heart-ache, but their statements were no less true.

This morning I saw the glorious smile of my son-in-law and was overjoyed to hold my latest grandchild in my arms.

Some say that children are too much trouble. They cost so much. They interfere with schedules and careers. And it is true that they can cause great heartache.

But God sees things in a child that we do not. Jesus spoke of their pure faith, our responsibility to care and protect them. And He has a plan for ALL His children, whether they adorn themselves with years of rebellion and disappointment or perfect grades and good manners.

Sit in a room with a freshly born baby, smell that musky hair. Touch those cheeks that are too soft to feel. Watch those little lips pucker and pout. Bundled in that soft blanket is the next president, or policeman, or pastor, or plumber. He's a elder at church, a volunteer at the Y. Salt in his workplace. Light to his neighbor. With his words, he will heal and encourage and protect. He'll learn through books and experience. He'll dream and save and build and mentor. He'll take and provide for a wife and someday, sooner than he could ever imagine, he'll be sitting in a room just like this, watching his father hold his son.

And he'll remember what his dad told him. "Thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD."

Mr. Collin Anderson Seymour arrived at 10:26 AM on Tuesday, August 11, 2009.  He weighed in at just 6 pounds and an ounce and was 19 1/4 inches long. Meagan and Aaron are doing well. The grandparents, both Seymour and Bredbenner, are elated.  Once again, we have had the deep joy of seeing our children's children.  King David and Solomon's words are still true.

God in His mercy and justice does all things well!