I am a pretty rational sort of person. I believe in the power of science to explain and expand the world we live in. I do not ordinarily believe in miracles.
However, following the birth of my son this past Wednesday, I find it increasingly difficult to deny that miracles CAN happen. I am aware of the science of "how babies are made", and am vaguely familiar with the biological processes involved. And yet, it seems to me that the conception and birth of a child is the MOST AMAZING THING in the universe. The fact that nine months ago there was nothing, and then a quick deed was done, and then A FUCKING PERSON GREW IN MY WIFE'S BELLY, and eventually came out living and breathing, flesh and blood, blows my mind. It is simply awe-inspiring when you really think about it...and especially when you experience it for yourself.
And the fact that my son is at this point in time a clean slate, a blackboard whose lessons are yet to be written upon, fills me with a profound hope for his future, and for the future of everyone. He can be anything he wants to be. All he needs is the guidance to make the right choices. That so much of the responsibility for that guidance is now on my shoulders is daunting, but also immensely exciting and fulfilling.
Maybe miracles don't really happen. Maybe it's all just the cold, logical hand of science at work. But maybe that's also all just semantics. It seems to me that life IS a miracle, in one way or another.
So don't waste it.
However, following the birth of my son this past Wednesday, I find it increasingly difficult to deny that miracles CAN happen. I am aware of the science of "how babies are made", and am vaguely familiar with the biological processes involved. And yet, it seems to me that the conception and birth of a child is the MOST AMAZING THING in the universe. The fact that nine months ago there was nothing, and then a quick deed was done, and then A FUCKING PERSON GREW IN MY WIFE'S BELLY, and eventually came out living and breathing, flesh and blood, blows my mind. It is simply awe-inspiring when you really think about it...and especially when you experience it for yourself.
And the fact that my son is at this point in time a clean slate, a blackboard whose lessons are yet to be written upon, fills me with a profound hope for his future, and for the future of everyone. He can be anything he wants to be. All he needs is the guidance to make the right choices. That so much of the responsibility for that guidance is now on my shoulders is daunting, but also immensely exciting and fulfilling.
Maybe miracles don't really happen. Maybe it's all just the cold, logical hand of science at work. But maybe that's also all just semantics. It seems to me that life IS a miracle, in one way or another.
So don't waste it.
