It was December 19th 2007. As Christmas approached, my wife was nine months pregnant. I spent the night on the couch, as I had the creeping crud. It was about 830am when Grace came down the stairs. I asked her what her plans where for the day, and she announced with a follow up question. ” I am going to have a baby today, how about you?” “My response: I guess I am going to have a baby today too.” As my wife went back up the steps, I got my 3 year old ready for the day to go off to Grandma’s, while we tended to the birthday. While I was cleaning up from breakfast, I had been on the phone canceling my sales calls for the day. One of my customers and I were gabbing for a while about birth stories. That’s when my 3 year old came into the kitchen and announced, “Mommy needs help.” I assumed she needed something off the top shelf in the closet and made my way up the stairs. I found my wife in the bathroom on the toilet barking orders… “Call your Mom, Call Pam, the baby is coming fast.” In those days, we still had a phone list. I had to run down to the kitchen to get the list with Pam’s number. By the time I got back to my wife, a new order was given. “Call Karen!” My response involved a four letter word, as I did not know which Karen, or what any Karen, had to do with all of this! I was then well informed… “You know! Karen across the street?! The OBGYN?” With those Words, I immediately dialed 911. Within just over 9 minutes, I had a baby girl in my hands. When the medics arrived, we soon learned that they had just come from a still birth, just a short time before. Not only was the birth of our new baby, JOY received by us, it was received as JOY and HOPE by others.

It is the Gift of Life.

That was 18 years ago…

As Christmas approaches, I am reminded, as I am every year. Prepare for Why It Matters.

The Love within your Heart.
The Love of Your Family.

The Love of Hope.
The Love of Peace.
The Love of Joy.
The Love of LOVE.
THE LOVE OF JESUS.

Have a Fun Friday and a great weekend as you prepare for Christmas!