Arlen's "Baby" Dedication

When you think of a baby dedication, there's usually a small baby, maybe a few months old, involved right?  Yeah, too bad we waited so long with Arlen... It actually wasn't too bad, I was nervous, but it went pretty good.  I had nightmares about me chasing him all over the stage, knocking down microphones and him screaming... Thank goodness it wasn't near that dramatic. ;)  He squirmed and "talked" a bit, but that's about it.   My parents were on vacation, so they weren't able to be there, but we were so glad that Dallas' grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my best friend Ashlee could come! 

I pray everyday and thank God for the blessing of my child, but I also pray for his salvation one day.  As his parent, I am the biggest influence in his life.  His little eyes watch everything I do and I strive to be the Christian example God wants me to be.  God has entrusted me with the biggest responsibility ever, a child to raise and live for Him.  Like the certificate says, I will definitely commit myself to his Christian nurturing and upbringing.  =)

I love this poem I found in my devotional Bible several months ago.  It really opened my eyes and heart to the "astounding responsibilities" raising a child has.

 

 My Boy

I look at the shiny blonde hair and round, blue eyes; the small pink tongue struggling impatiently against tiny white teeth to form a word, to convey an exciting new-born thought; the broad little boy hand covered with dirt, reaching to touch my cheek; and suddenly I realize the astounding responsibilities that are mine before that hand expands to a man's hand. O God, hold my son's hand while he crosses the danger-filled street to manhood.