A Special Day

Zach and I dedicated Austin to the Lord this morning at church. Although the service is called a baby dedication, our pastor pointed out that it's really more of a parent dedication. Zach and I dedicated ourselves to teaching Austin God's Word and His ways, and our pastor prayed for us as we undertake that task. It is so humbling to know that Austin's future is entirely in God's hands. We can't save him--we can only teach him who God is and pray that God will open his heart to receive the gift of salvation.

And although I spent a good part of the morning hoping he wouldn't be the baby who cried throughout the dedication service, it gave me opportunity to reflect on how as parents we can't allow ourselves to be too wrapped up in his outward behavior; it's what in his heart that counts. It's hard to believe it when we look at his cute little face, but he, like all of us, was born a sinner and has no hope apart from Christ. He could be the most outwardly obedient child in the world and have a heart that rebels against God. I know that's how I was for many years. So we need to teach him that although obedience is important, being "good" is not what saves us. Only faith in Christ's blood shed for us can make him right before God.

We are so thankful to be part of a church that will help us teach him these most critical lessons.