So thankful

This evening I was given the opportunity and privilege to address our congregation and share some words surrounding Psalm 139 and the gift of new life. As I'm so thankful for each of you who support Jackie and I throughout this amazing time of transition, I thought it fitting to share the message I shared at Immanuel with you as we give thanks.

Love - Tom

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Our story of the gift of life and the gift of our son, Gavin Denison Getchius, is not one of tremendous overcoming or of extraordinary circumstances. This is a story of the power of God using two ordinary people and blessing them with the gift of new life.

My wife, Jackie, and I had discussions for many months of when we'd like to expand our family beyond two, well, we have a Golden Retriever Marty.

• When would be the right time?
• What will we name him or her?
• Will he or she go to Luther?
• Will we be able to afford college in 20 or so years?
• Are we ready for this life changing event?
• Should we have one last hurrah and take a trip, just the two of us?

If you know anything about my wife and I, we are planful people, Jackie much more than I. Jackie's ideal plan would be to have twin girls in June 2010 so she could have the summer off of work, we'd have two kids, and that would be that. But that was not God's plan, and as many of you know, we had happy and healthy son, Gavin, in September earlier this year. God must've chuckled at how much we tried to plan but threw us a bone; Gavin came 10 days past his due date, at 1:29am. I haven't seen 1:29am since college! We are so thankful that Gavin and Jackie were extremely healthy all throughout the pregnancy.

When Gavin was born, our world completely turned upside down, sideways, and everything in-between. We marveled at his birth of his perfectly formed body, minus a little swelling of the head, all his fingers (he's got long fingers and going to be a piano player, I just know it), beautiful bright eyes like my wife Jackie, cute dimples (also from Jackie), strong legs built for running (Jackie), and all 10 toes (we both have all our toes). We've adjusted to the lack of sleep, the fussy times, the dirty and wet diapers, and the crying where you don't know what's wrong. He's even surprised us by sleeping through the night on his 2-month birthday. And though it hasn't happened since, I eagerly await the consistency!

As many of you know, when God blesses you with children, whether they are adopted or your own, life has new meaning, purpose, and zeal. It's not about us, nor was it ever, it's about family, love and giving thanks. It's about taking the time to reflect on change, new life, new responsibility, and new things to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for...

• my wonderful wife, who is an amazing caretaker, partner, and mother. Without her by my side I would not be half the man I am today.
• my parents, inlaws, brothers, grandparents, and cousins. Their outpouring of love during this transition and transformation has been overwhelmingly wonderful and for that we are thankful.
• this church family and our faith group. Your cards, gifts, notes, meals, prayers, encouragement, smiles, calls, and everything else that I can't think of has been an extension of the hand of God helping a brother and sister in need.
• our friends who have come to clean our house, cook a meal, spend time with Jackie and Gavin during the day has been such an act of service and love.
• our Creator, Redeemer, Father, Friend, and Savior. To God be the glory.