Titus and Riley are now a week old (though 34 weeks gestationally). As they continue developing in the NICU, we see daily changes taking place- increased eating, regulated breathing and compositional changes to their waste.
The wonderful staff at the NICU wants parents involved in caring for the little ones. I have already changed more of my twins’ diapers than my previous 35 years combined. Until today I haven’t been treated with anything more than a wet diaper. Oh, how my son changed that for me. It was bound to happen sooner or later, though Gina actually longed for it. The true treat of this occurrence was that no sooner did I have the fresh diaper in place that it too was soiled, along with my hand and so on…
Inevitably there are two groups reading this: those completely disgusted and those thinking, “… and?” Regardless of where you sit, know that in that moment I wanted nothing more than my son to be clean. I didn’t want him to continue sitting in his filth and furthering his discontentment.
As I reflected on this scenario, I couldn’t help but consider how God is very similar. More accurately, my response was similar to God’s longing for us. His love for us is so vast and desires such great things for us. He doesn’t want us wallowing in misery nor does he want us to seek our own source of soothing. He wants to clean us. He wants to give us contentment.
While I could only offer my son a cleaner diaper and some wet wipes, God offered us his Son at the highest possible price. Not only did Christ provide cleanness, he brought contentment.
As you lovingly serve your children, striving to give them your very best, remember the steadfast love of God. Know that his willingness to give you his best far exceeds a double diaper change.
Ryan Boyer is a husband, a father of twins and a pastor. He and his family live in Idaho.
