Four years ago, our household was filled with excitement as our family planned to gather together for the first time since our two grandchildren were born. The little ones would meet their aunts, uncles, and cousin for the very first time. Our youngest daughter and her husband were expecting twins so that added even more anticipation to the gathering. It was going to be magnificent!
Everything was set. The menus were chosen, the Christmas Eve worship time selected. We couldn't wait to talk, laugh, and reconnect with each other.
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| Olivia and Benjamin |
But...the twins decided to arrive early and add to the excitement - three days before Christmas. The medical personnel quickly moved them to the NICU as a precautionary measure. Our festivities took on a somewhat muted tone, as all were concerned about the newborn babies.
Olivia was ready to leave the hospital after four days. Benjamin needed to stay a bit longer.
One evening, while I held Benjamin in the hospital - bundled warmly in a blanket, IV tubes and temperature leads dangling - I watched all the lights blinking and listened to the beeps from the equipment monitoring his vital signs.
And then I thought of the Christmas story, of Mary and Joseph riding to Bethlehem on a donkey, finding no room at the inn, giving birth to Jesus in a stable. And although Mary had been assured that she had found favor with God, how worrisome it must have been.
I wondered what it must have been like for them.
As I pondered these thoughts, my grandson became a bit restless, his tiny fingers grasped the tip of my pinky finger and, as tears came to my eyes, we had our first prayer together, thanking God for all of our blessings.
Today, Benjamin and Olivia turn 4 years old.
Jim Bush is a retired pharmaceutical clinical education manager.
