Baby in a Box

Baby In a Box

Theology in the Trenches

by Kathleen Kjolhaug

Weighing in at a pound and a half was the little baby boy. Early he arrived…much earlier than planned.

Doc Pederson arrived at the house as that’s what doctors did back-in-the-day. The little man’s arrival put everyone into a tailspin. Even ole Doc didn't know what was about to go down. A miracle of sorts and it would soon be fight or flight. The little guy decided to fight.

“Put him by the stove and keep him warm,” was about the only orders that could be followed. And so, by the stove, he was placed.

Near the heat from the cast iron stove this particular February 29, they made room for the babe in a box. However, checking back in on the babe would be another thing altogether. Rumor had it, Doc didn’t hold out hope.

Day one and done, the babe was still breathing. Day two, the same. And so it went, day after day as each one ended and was now in the books. The youngin kept time one-day-at-a-time. To this day, that’s pretty much his mode of operation. Eighty-six years strong his breathing has been day after day.

Details about this are few. But, when you stop and think about it, his birth changed your life, too. For if he hadn’t kept on breathing as he did, I would not be sitting here typing this story to tell. And if I didn't type this story to tell, you wouldn’t be reading the story I’m telling.

He paused to breathe, and you paused to read. Your footsteps covering the ground upon which you trod have changed because he breathed one breath at a time.

“All things work together for the good of those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:28). And they certainly did and continue to do just that.

When we take pause, we know the same can be said about you. Because you gave, others had enough. Because you helped, children learned. Because you listened, a life was spared. Because you showed mercy, others came to know Him.

Not only then are lives changed, but they are changed forever.

Forever and ever. Amen.