Little Life

We moved into our existing neighbourhood over 10months ago. Our deep desire was to see relationships build with those around us. We had and still have a desire to bless others with the love and grace of Jesus. These last months have been a testimony to God's leading and bringing opportunities across our paths rather than us going in search of such things. We have seen some relationships blossom beautifully and have in turn been greatly enriched ourselves.

A few nights ago we witnessed God at work again, in an amazing way. A family near us had a baby boy about 7 weeks ago. We had had a few conversations with them before then. We were able to supply them with hot chocolate and donuts when they moved in on a stormy winter's night and cook them a meal when the bub was born. Other than that there has only been a few snippets of conversations here and there.

Then at 3.45am there was a banging on our front door. The mother was standing there, her babe in arms, crying, asking for help because her son wasn't breathing properly. We weren't really sure what to do. The father had called an ambulance. I wasn't even sure if there was something wrong; the bub was breathing. They said he was very lethargic, not waking up for a feed and not really responding. Maybe he's just really tired I thought. But I also knew that most mothers have a pretty good gut instinct about their children. I don't really know why, but I took him out of her arms and shook him above my head. His eyes opened and look reasonably alert. He stuck his tongue out and put his fist up to his mouth. I said 'He's alive'. I knew these things were good signs.

Some relief was brought to the situation. During this time Elisha had woken and needed to be resettled. Adriaan was attending to him. Our neighbours went back to their house to wait for the ambulance. I went to relieve Adriaan. We went to see if things were ok, but the ambulance had gone and the house locked up again. We assumed everything was ok.

The next day, the father came over late in the day, saying the ambulance had taken the baby because he had a SIDS episode. Apparently, his breathing was slowing and was shutting his body down. When I shook him, I jolted him back into a normal breathing rhythm and probably saved his life. The bub is still in hospital now, they are still monitoring him and his breathing.

God's timing and prompting in this situation has amazed me. The prompting of the mum to come and ask for help from acquaintances. His prompting for me to shake the bub. The fact that if it had happened a week later, we wouldn't be here (we are off to Tasmania tomorrow for two weeks). Now of course, we wait and see what God has in store. We really feel this has been another way God has opened up opportunity for us to minister into these people's lives. An opportunity to show Jesus' love and compassion. An opportunity to be present with them in a difficult time. And an opportunity to be blessed by them in return.

The timing that does seem strange to me is that we are going on holidays: unable to be here or help them. ( still not sure how stable/serious the baby's condition is). But if this situation shows us anything, we can trust that God's timing is absolutely perfect. I hope to go to the hospital today and see the mum briefly before we go.

If I am learning anything this year as we journey in a different direction, it is to wait on the Spirit. Too often we get great ideas, seize what we think is a great opportunity, plan for the future and expect God to assist us in our plans. God in his graciousness often does. I am trying not to get hung up on things that maybe I could have said or done or frustrated at situations that don't go how I think they should go. Instead, realising that God opens the doors and in his timing will things flourish. I am learning to listen. And God is proving faithful.