A baby is made. In it lie potential, health, and optimism. As the tissues grow, a human form takes shape. The skills, passion, and personality are configured. Physical and spiritual come together in some magical way to form a child. The protection of the womb lasts for just nine months.
Then birth takes place.
What is the plan? How will this perfect little human grow into its full potential? How would you protect this absolute miracle? If you had the power to protect something so precious in your hand and cushion this little being from all harm, what would be your strategy? If you were in charge, what measures would you put in place to assure that no damage be done?
The Plan
God has a plan. This needy mortal cannot do anything on its own. It is completely unable to care for itself. He places this cherished bundle in the hands of imperfect people. Most new parents have very few skills to care for this treasured possession. They stumble and bumble along, caring for someone they do not yet know and are unable to put above all else.
To communicate needs, the baby cries for food, warmth, and human connection. This creates sleep deprived parents who come up against their limited capacity for unconditional love. This tiny person creates chaos in its parent’s lives.
Nothing will ever be the same again.
This is the plan? I hate to say it, God, but I would have done it differently.
My Questions for God
What about all the potential the baby held? What about the skills waiting to be nurtured, the passion waiting to come out, and the unique personality it holds?
Couldn’t you have arranged for all babies to be fed without hearing their tears, provided physical touch without having them feel pain, and parents who are at the top of their game when facing this new challenge?
Wouldn’t it have been a better idea to put them in the hands of people who were grown up themselves, capable of great love, wisdom, and charity? Why create babies so needy that they can do nothing for themselves?
Shouldn’t you have given them more than imperfect parents? How do you expect them to grow and learn in this less than ideal environment?
Why is it that hardship seems to produce the most fruitful people?
The Truth About Life
There are countless examples of individuals going through hardship and starting a movement so others will not have to suffer as much as they did. It was the mothers who lost their children to drunk drivers that started MADD. It was an alcoholic who started AA.
It’s our pain and suffering that creates growth in us. From small things to large, our “best” comes from pushing through our own pain, digging deep within, and overcoming the odds. Our suffering shows us the low point from which we can decide to ascend.
Life is not lived in a straight trajectory. It does not unfold according to our desires. As we bump up against situations, people, and our own perceived limits, we form into something new and improved. The path is before us, but we cannot see it. Life will point us toward the right road, if only we’ll pay attention to the signs. When putting your hand on a hot stove, the path is clear. Don’t put your hand on the heat or you will get burned. It’s the challenges, struggles, and questions that lead us in the right direction.
God’s plan is to give us just enough to get by, but not enough to thrive. That will be up to us. Our growth begins at birth. To find the best path, we must be persistent, self-reflective, humble, and curious. It’s only with questions and conflict that we will find ways to learn and grow. This is where we will hone our skills, find our passion, and develop our God-given personality.