early Christmas present

Yesterday morning Andrew Kolbe Cook made his earthly arrival.  Our second grandson decided to come a little early...he didn't want to miss the Christmas celebration!  Actually they needed to bring him into the world a little before the full term due to some pregnancy complications.  So he faced two adjustments to plan already in his life: learning to adapt to schedule changes and finding alternative solutions to life's issues.  I was fascinated to learn that he has a little bit of a challenge with breathing because of these changes.  If he could have arrived on time, his lungs would have been a little farther along and if he'd been delivered through the birth canal, the pressure would have cleared fluid from his lungs as well.  I thought it was interesting that the trauma of birth also has positive developmental impact.  Andrew is a fighter and working hard to breathe.  He's begun the battles of life.  I suppose the thought that struck me is that, as difficult and painful as labor and delivery are, God has designed purpose into every aspect of the process.  And so it is true for us that the challenges and trials that come our way may develop our spiritual "breathing" and squeeze us in all the right places to aid our development. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. blessings, Rob Smith