The first 10 days: Centre County pastor pens letter to newborn | Clergy
Dear Solei Akira McReynolds,
Today you are only 10 days old, and already you have changed my life in ways I never knew were possible. I wanted to write this letter as these first memories are still fresh in my mind, not only for today, but for the day when you are old enough to read these words and know how deeply you have always been loved.
Your mom and I were convinced you would arrive on June 12, your grandfather’s birthday. We wondered if God was writing a story that would forever connect the generations. Instead, you chose June 13, my little fire horse. Looking back, I smile because God reminded us that every life has its own beginning, its own purpose, and its own timing. Your story did not need to follow Grandpa John. It began exactly when God intended.
During these first 10 days, I have learned that you are the greatest gift that God has given me and entrusted me with. Your cries have taught me so much about patience. The quiet moments have taught me a lot about gratitude. When I hold you, I am reminded that love is more than something we say. That Love becomes something that we choose to live into every day through our presence, our care and our commitment.
There are so many things I hope to teach you about, like Star Wars and the expanded universe, anime, music and our God. But even more than that I hope to show you by the way I and your mother live. Solei, I will not always have every answer, but I promise that you will never have to question whether your father cares and loves you. I have loved you long before I held you in my arms and I will love you for every day God gives me. So as a preacher, I leave you with three things, my Love.
As you grow, I pray that God’s Word becomes the foundation beneath your feet. My prayer is that Proverbs 3:5-7 (NIV) becomes your guide as it did for my father and his grandfather who raised him: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Trust God before you trust your fears. Seek God’s wisdom before your own.
I also pray that Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV) shapes the way you live. Be deeply rooted in God, not in circumstances. A life grounded in Christ can remain faithful throughout any season because its strength comes from the One who never changes.
Finally, remember the words of James 1:2 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Joy does not mean life will always be in easy mode. It means knowing and trusting that God is at work, even when you cannot yet see what God is doing. Your faith will grow as you continue to trust God.
Solei, your name means “sun,” and have already brought brilliance into our home. I pray that your life will reflect the love, hope, and grace of Jesus Christ wherever He takes you. Thank you for making me a father. It is a title I will cherish for the rest of my life.
With all my love,
Dad
Pastor Paul McReynolds, Nittany Charge of Susquehanna Annual Conference, Fairbrook, Grays and WoodyCrest UMC.