Newborn joy

The past several weeks have produced not less than 4 new babies to our church family. I'm not sure what the deal was last fall, but it resulted in a population explosion in our nursery. And that's a good thing. What brings more joy than seeing a new mother or father cradling their infant?

But babies are also messy. They spit up, fill up their diapers, and if you're not careful, a baby boy will zap you with the fountain of youth while being changed. Ugh. I've gagged on more than one occasion trying to clean up after a natural disaster caused by by one of my own offspring. There's something about parental love that allows you to do things you never thought possible before!

Then when they mature a bit, they cause messes spilling, throwing, even spitting things like strained peas. I would, too, to be honest. Table manners take time. It's such a relief to be able to eat out at a restaraunt and not feel embarrassment by the landfill left behind under your child's high chair.

They're messy, but their presence brings smiles and laughter and makes adults say stupid things trying to communicate. It's a great time for a family.

Likewise, when a church is "doing what comes naturally" for missional Christians, the family gets a load of "newborn" believers. Guess what? They're messy. They're not mature enough to clean up after themselves or feed themselves yet. Hopefully that day will come.

But what a joy they bring to the fellowship! They haven't yet been ruined by those of us who have forgotten the newness of life. They can't seem to hold it in. They bring excitement and passion. They make church easier, but they sure make it fun.

I hope our nursery is never empty but always overflowing.