This time around is a little different than the past two deliveries.  With Joe and Jack, we had no idea when the birth would happen. Both of them surprised us.  Joe decided he wanted to join us 10 days before his due date.  Jack was particularly eager.  He came 21 days before we thought he would.  When Jack arrived, I was in the throes of a home remodel project.  I needed all the time I could get before he was born.  I didn't get it . . . and, as a result, we had to spend our first few nights out of the hospital in someone else's home.  Yikes.  All the men are reading this and saying to themselves, "What's the big deal?"  All the women are reading this and considering picking up the phone to scold me --  "Jason, why in the world did you plan a home remodel project during the third trimester of your wife's pregnancy?"  I'm afraid I wouldn't have an acceptable answer to this question.

I am glad our new girl is going to be born on Good Friday.  This might seem a little strange to say.  Good Friday is a day of deep sorrow.  It is the day that we consciously reflect on the crucifixion and death of our Lord.  But this is also the day that Jesus placed on himself the punishment for our sins.  In God's economy, the brutality of the cross -- the horror of our sins and their consequences physically displayed -- becomes something beautiful.  This is why we call it GOOD Friday. We worship a Savior who welcomed suffering out of obedience to his Father and love for billions of lost sons and daughters.  

Because she is born on Good Friday, our daughter's birth will be a reminder, an ebenezer, of the forgiveness and grace of God.  Now that I think of it, maybe each day of her life will serve as a reminder of this.  I like that thought a lot.

Grace to you on this Very Good Friday.