The Firstborn Blessing

The Bible, especially in the Old Testament, speaks often about the firstborn humans and even firstborn animals that were considered sacred to God. After the Israelites were rescued from slavery in Egypt, He commanded the people to consecrate every firstborn male human and firstborn animal to Him (Exodus 22:29-30). We followed that way by consecrating our children to God!

This morning, we’ll gather at my children’s home for our traditional birthday breakfast to celebrate our FIRSTBORN, Ryan Keith Wuerch. We’ll savor biscuits with cream gravy and chocolate gravy, eggs, bacon, and fruit. Ryan’s meal will be served on the “You are Special” plate, and we’ll each share why he is so dear to us.

I can relate to the blessing of the firstborn. It brings a wave of nostalgia. Our love and memories are deeply imprinted in our hearts. I thank God for allowing us to partner with Him in bringing our wonderful children into this world. Ryan was our “test case” – the child of two inept amateurs. Back then, pre-training classes weren’t available.

I remember the hospital staff showing me how to nurse this little human. It struck me: “This baby is dependent on ME!” Oh, the responsibility! We were shown how to change diapers, care for his belly button, bathe him, and then… we were on our own. Are you kidding me? No formal baby care training? But, with Dr. Spock’s book “Baby and Child Care” and our mothers’ wisdom, we managed.

This firstborn gifted me my cherished title – ‘mother’. Ryan and I partnered through his first-born challenges: blowout diapers, sleepless nights, and keeping him safe when he was sick. Today, I feel nostalgic but mostly grateful for this remarkable firstborn. I count my blessings, especially thankful that God chose me to be his mother.

Ryan survived drinking from a garden hose, not being strapped into a car seat, and falling out of trees. Despite what we lacked; we must have done something right. God used us, with all our inexperience, to help shape this successful, motivated, and creative man with bulldog tenacity.

It’s not just for his achievements; I love this incredible man because he is my son. He outgrew my lap, but never my heart. I celebrate him today with all my love and thanksgiving.

Happy Birthday, Ryan Keith Wuerch! You’ve been our reward and made a difference in our lives and the lives of many others. We love you so much!

“Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him”. (Psalm 127:3)