My heart seems to skip a beat as I look down at the tiny bundle in my arms. Caisson James Matlock — seven pounds, three ounces, and twenty inches of first grandchild perfection.
A tiny hand slips from beneath the swaddling and grips my index finger. I swallow hard and glance around quickly to make sure no one sees the enormous tear winding its way slowly down my cheek.
It’s going to be hard not to spoil this little guy.
I chuckle to catch myself pondering the same questions I have heard from so many other new grandparents: Is that my daughter’s button nose? My grandfather’s huckleberry blue eyes? His dad’s mouth? My out-of-control cowlick above his forehead? (I shake my head at that last one. He’s going to need a lot of spray gel.)
“He’s perfect!”
The thought pops unbidden into my head, and I beam down at this tiny new human who has no idea just how much he is loved already. But then a still, small voice whispers into my soul. “No, he’s not.”
For a moment, my mind rebels. “What? Not perfect? Just look at him!”
Then I remember. Along with all the other traits inherited from his family, Caisson was born with a sinful nature. As beautiful as my new grandson might be, his soul is broken. He needs a Savior.
That’s where we come in — parents; grandparents; great-grandparents; aunt, uncle, and cousins; church family; the entire Free Will Baptist family. Caisson needs all of us to point him to the One who really is perfect, the One who gave His life so Caisson can be whole.
The weight of this enormous responsibility settles heavily upon me for a moment, but then another quiet whisper reminds me we are not alone in the task. The Holy Spirit takes our simple words about the Savior and gives them power — His power, not ours — bearing witness to the Truth and drawing hearts to Him (John 15:26; 16:13–14). Drawing Caisson to Him.
A strange snort brings my attention back to the child in my arms, and I chuckle. One thing is certain: my grandson definitely has my snore!
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).
About the Columnist:Eric K. Thomsen is managing editor of ONE Magazine.
