Guthrie Under Construction

We learned over Christmas of another Guthrie currently under construction. Lord willing, this new little wonder will make its appearance in Austin, Texas in July. How delightful it was to observe firsthand the joyful anticipation shared by the prospective parents, Travis and Kristen! They spent six days with us, mostly holed up inside against the inclement Midwest weather. You’d think we’d be smart enough to go to Texas in December, rather than make them come here, but we weren't, so our most exciting venture was a trip to the mall to make some gift exchanges. I think the caricature artist we happened across at the mall did a fabulous job of capturing Travis and Kristen's enthusiasm. Don’t you?

Continuing on with the theme of grandchildren, it seemed appropriate to make this child the subject of my third blog. If you aren’t a grandparent yet, it’s possible you are yawning and preparing to click away to another blog and a more stimulating topic. (Don’t worry, after this I’m out of grandchildren for the time being, so I’ll move on to other things. I promise!)

If you’ve been blessed with grandchildren of your own, however, you are most likely remembering another announcement, another child, the incredible feeling of love that surprised and engulfed you. For the next six and a half long months my arms will be aching to hold this much loved and desired grandchild.

Since I need to occupy the time, I'm following charts on the baby's development. Already, the tiny heart is beating and the entire body plan is laid out. Fingers and toes are separated and the brain is developing; and yet, this tiny creature is only the size of a lemon. As the knitting together in the womb continues, I can’t help but ponder what physical features will be predominant (red hair and freckles or beautiful brunette curls?), what personality traits will charm us (If the baby is half as stubborn as Daddy Travis, we’ll feel avenged!), what gifts and abilities will be granted (pianist or engineer?). We Iowans are fairly certain the child won’t talk right, since Mama Kristen is a true blue Texan!

Please, don’t anyone try to tell me that this life that has begun is only a lump of tissue. Lumps of tissue don't have brains, heartbeats, and functioning fingers and toes. This is a little person, my grandchild…fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image by a Creator who knows the beginning and the end of all things, who attends to the smallest of details, and who gives good and perfect gifts in His time and according to His good pleasure.

Thank you, God, for the opportunity to witness this miracle. And please take care of the precious new life that is under construction.