January 10, 2019
On January 10 my sweet nephew was born. Koetting Allen Joannes… 9lbs, 2.2 ounces and 21 inches long. My sister and the baby are happy and healthy! It was such a perfect way to start my day… a text with the news and pictures of him with my family.
Coming on the Race, I knew this was going to be one of the hardest days because I wasn’t going to be home. I would miss getting to hold him in the first hours of his life. I would miss seeing Josie in her first moments with her baby brother. I would miss hugging my sister and brother-in-law to congratulate them on the sweet addition to their family. And while all of this is true, I knew it when I committed to doing nine months on the field.
The morning of the 10th I read Matthew 10. This talks about when Jesus sends out the 12 disciples and explains how big of a deal it is. The following is what always sticks out to me.
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 10:37-39
The cost of discipleship throughout the gospels is clear.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:26-27
Reading this the morning of Koetting’s birth was a really good way to stay focused on His calling for my life at this time. Despite being bummed about not being there, I could stay joyful in all of the wonderful things about it and celebrate instead. The delivery was healthy, I could receive pictures of him, and I will get to see him in 4.5 months. This was not the day that I would let the enemy steal my joy. On this day, I had to die to myself. I had to set aside my desire to be home with my family and remember that the Lord’s calling on my life and His will is what should matter most to me. And what a joy it is going to be to go home to a sweet new nephew.
With love,
Sarah
P.S. we are here in India and it is absolutely amazing. I am loving everything about it and cannot wait to tell you all everything!
