THE MORAL OF THE STORY:God’s plan shown in a precious baby boy

“Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.”

-RABINDRANATH TAGORE

He took his sweet time. He had us all waiting, wondering, praying, waiting and praying some more. He took his sweet time, this sweet little boy. But, boy, was he worth the wait.

James Arthur Callaghan made his debut at 1:09 p.m. on May 16, 2007. At 8 pounds, 3 ounces and 21 inches, little James instantly won a big place in all our hearts. Obviously his parents were thrilled, enthralled and happily exhausted when James was born. Of course, his grandparents, great-grandparents and all his extensive family and community of friends were excited. But I especially enjoyed watching his older sisters meet and greet their new baby brother.

Three-year-old Mary’s brown eyes grew bigger and browner when she saw James. “He is so cute and so funny,” she said. “Will he stay with us forever?” Eighteen-month old Aubrey kept pointing to him and smiling gleefully as if to say, “Can you believe it? He is the cutest thing ever!” When he fussed, Aubrey frowned and said, “Baby, ‘fier,’ ” and Mary agreed, saying, “James needs a pacifier.” Obviously, sweet baby James is going to receive plenty of loving and nurturing.

As we gazed at the precious eight-pound package of possibilities, we saw a sweet, kissable face; dark, curly hair; perfect skin; and a precious, healthy body with 10 fingers and 10 toes. As I stared down at the little wonder, I saw another of God’s miracles. Just as God planned James’ every little adorable feature, God also has specific plans in life that James is wonderfully designed to fulfill. Meanwhile, we all get to love, welcome and marvel at this beautiful baby boy.

Before he even breathed on his own for a few hours, James Arthur Callaghan breathed his way into our lives forever.

And you can quote me on that.