A Dedication Service

You might remember my telling about my brother in law and his wife, who while in the process of adopting a child, found out that they were expecting another in a more conventional way!

Their adorable little boy was born last summer, and they have suddenly gone from being "just a couple" all these years- to the parents of two!
A true miracle and double blessing.

Well, this Sunday was the big day...their babies' dedication!

The church is a large one, so they were just a bit nervous...

Our family's job was to reserve a whole pew for visiting family and friends who were coming. And it turned out to be a full pew!

We all sat huddled nicely together-with two and a half year old K. sitting like a perfect angel in my lap for awhile- and 6 month old S. being as calm as you please, gazing non-nonchalantly around, or showing occasional interest in the contents of his diaper bag...
...when very soon it was time for the four of them to go up to the platform.

Our pastor briefly touched on their special story and while doing so, K. seemed very interested in being in this new vantage point.
Now, our church has a very large screen...and several other screens on either wall...and when we have dedications, the babies' photos are taken just before and displayed for all the church to see.
So, needless to say, K. was very enthralled with seeing herself everywhere...
before promptly announcing to the pastor (and hundreds of people) that she had to go potty.

Luckily, she's still in diapers, so we proceeded on. ;)

As the pastor prayed, we all extended our hands in prayer with him over these precious babies and their parents.

It brought back some memories for my husband and I...having each of our own babies dedicated was such a meaningful time for us.

And I remember another time, when this same brother in law tip-toed into my hospital room eight and a half years ago after my first baby had been born to peek in on his newborn niece. He didn't stay long, since I was recovering from some harrowing complications...but long enough to say wistfully, "I wish I could have one."

So, witnessing this prayer of dedication on Sunday, I was also witnessing God's incredible graciousness.

And I was glad I was there.