...on earth as it is in heaven

almost everyone has heard the lord’s prayer before, even if you’re not a christian. it’s been my model for prayer since i first believed. my favorite part is where it says,
“…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

i have always felt a certain hope in that phrase, because i believe part of the reason for the incarnation of christ was to actually make the father’s 'will be done' by living on earth, as if he were in heaven. so, what is heaven? the gospel accounts, as well as revalations paint the kingdom of heaven (in part) this way: there will be no more sickness, sadness, pain, or death.

jesus was bringing that to us as a forshadow of days to come, and to teach us how to be tools for ushering in god's kingdom ourselves, by the spirit. everywhere he went he healed the sick, gave sight to the blind. removed pain & sadness & replaced it with joy in purpose. a small glimpse into eternity, and a deliberate lesson to us.

as i said, i find immense hope in this, especially when i see it lived out today. which brings me to my point. in the two weeks since bennett was born, jen and i have known more kindness than we can express. our family and friends have been generous and selfless and kind to a degree that goes beyond simple family duty. from the time jen and i left for the hospital, (and in many cases, even before that) people have worked in our house to get it ready for us, finishing our bathroom project, painting, cleaning, & organizing.

we have piles, literally piles of gifts covering every conceivable need, from butt paste (it's a baby product, i swear!) to crib linens. people come over to meet the baby and to spend time with us. friends and family alike have cooked us meals & delivered them. they come during the day while i have to be at work, and they stay all day watching the baby, just so jen can take a hot shower and a long nap. they travel for hours just to see us and to bring yet more gifts. i have never felt so showered with love in all my life as i have these last weeks. there are few words either jen or i can say to express our gratitude.

to all of you, our frinds and family, and you all know who you are, our deepest and most heartfelt thanks are in order. i can't say it any more strongly, except to say this: we could not be more pleased or proud to bring up our son, so surrounded by the light of christ which shines so brightly through all of you. i have much (no, really, i mean tons) to learn about parenting, but i do know that there is no one we'd rather have by our side while raising our son than you guys. thank you so, so much.

ok, so what now? um... actually, i have no idea...