Day 30 - "I Won't Stop"

Day 30 of 30. What seemed so far away has now arrived. That's a bit of a surprise - how quickly this experiment has passed.

Each morning, sometime after "Surprise me, God" and before leaving for work, Krista and I get Jacob ready for the day. There's no distinct pattern (though she seems always to do more) but we often fall into a routine which consists of Krista removing the "night-nights," changing the diaper, and combing away bedhead. While this is happening I'll do my best to get the morning meal ready, then feed and burp Jacob before our trip to daycare.

This morning was role-reversal. A random switch. A wholly serendipitous event. At wake up/diaper change time, Krista was eating breakfast. Put me in, coach.

But first, a word of background. Yesterday was Jake's one year check-up. Included in the visit were three booster shots. For what? I don't know...just hold the baby and trust the doctor (there's probably a "surprise" there. Something about faith, trust, submission, etc. - but I'm on a mission to tell another story - no time to stop and reflect...)

(shoot, that's probably another "surprise" I should stop to explore. I've now entered some bizarre Star Trek-esque time/warp/surprise continuum...)

(day 30 - geekness revealed)

Back to this morning. Evidently the shots have not only made Jacob's legs sore, they've empowered him with - well, with - how do I say this - an extra amount of "blessing" in his diaper. And on his legs. Soaked through the "night-nights." Accompanied by that special aroma for which I've come equipped with a clothes pin. Enough said...you get the picture.

With fresh diaper and belly full, I dropped off Jacob at daycare and decided to purchase one last "30-days" cappuccino. On the ride to work I was listening to a song with the lyric, "It's a full time job to keep a part time lover." The song concludes with the repeated mantra, "I won't stop."

My day 30 surprise came as those two moments (the morning with Jacob and listening to this song) collided. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, describes a God who loves mankind so much that he makes the decision to leave his holy home and live among us. And not as a fully grown man "poofed" into existence, but as one of us. As a baby. God, who knows everything, chose to live as Jacob was this morning. Unable to take care of himself. Completely dependent on others. Often covered in filth. His choice. For me. I celebrate God's sacrifice at the end of his earthly existence. I don't often consider his sacrifice at the beginning.

Then the words hit. "It's a full time job to keep a part time lover." God, full time seeking to make himself known. Doing whatever it takes. That I, no better than a part time lover, would have the opportunity to enter into life-giving relationship with him.

I don't deserve this. And, I think, that's the point.

Diapers and music and an odd reminder of the depth of God's love. That's my surprise today.

And Jesus says, "I won't stop." And the mantra continues...