The “Gift”
After all the hype about Y2K last year, we took a deep sigh of relief as the year-end approached, thinking we had survived it without event – except for the hanging chads, of course. But a little something occurred in that last week of 2000 that changed our lives – forever. It began with a simple phone call.
Married 18 years and easing into our 40’s, we routinely went about our professional lives; running three companies, enjoying our employees, living compactly in 900 sq. ft. with our office dog “Tater”, taking several mission trips each year, and serving in various Christian ministries. It had a familiarity and predictability which we enjoyed and found rather comfortable—like a tranquil pond. But, during our Y2K Company Christmas holiday, that simple phone call permanently rippled our pond. A familiar voice on the other end of the receiver said “A baby boy was born last night and he’s yours if you want him.” Hello?? We have to honestly say that an “oh my gosh!” hour followed that call. But six hours later and after much prayer, we were grinning from ear to ear when in our arms was laid “Gift” as he had been named. All about us were the decorations of Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus, the miraculous Gift of God’s Son to mankind 2000 years ago. And here, the Lord God allowed us to personally experience, in a small way, the awe of receiving the extraordinary “gift” of a baby boy at Christmas time.
Scott joined our family on 12/29/00. Our Cornerstone family has enjoyed having Scott as part of our staff since he was one month old. Scott is our “living stone.” It is a tradition in the Middle East to stand up a large stone or pillar when something significant of a religious or political nature occurs. Two Biblical accounts of this are: After the giving of the commandments at Mt. Sinai; and after crossing the Jordan River and the Nation of Israel entered the Promised Land. As others see the stone they say “What happened here?” and the reply comes – “Let me tell you what the Lord God did!” In 1 Peter 2:5 the Bible tells us that what those stones were, we are too – i.e. “living stones”. As a “living stone” David Scott Stephenson Branton bears a name from each of his brothers who now live in Heaven by reason of miscarriages or stillbirth. He is a living testimony of the Lord God’s faithfulness in our journey of trusting Him. What a “gift” and an incredible year it’s been! Since our compact house soon resembled an overstuffed suitcase, we will be celebrating Scott’s first birthday in a new home just down the street. Our Cornerstone family chuckles as this little fish keeps our pond stirred.
On September 11, 2001, lifestyle in the United States changed – forever. As a result, many people find themselves searching for answers. The questions are difficult and the answers are elusive, but just as the Wise Men sought for the ultimate answer in a baby boy born in Bethlehem, we too are wise to seek answers in this same Jesus for He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Although changes occur personally, nationally, or internationally, the one Lord God does not change. Christmas is the reminder of His love for us which He demonstrated by sending Jesus. Personal trust in Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection is the way for us to have an eternal relationship with the one true and living God. We offer our story that you may rejoice and take comfort in knowing that the same God is still on the throne, is still in control, and is still to be trusted for the answers.
CORNERSTONE Surveying & Engineering, Inc.
CORNERSTONE Information Services, Inc.
CORNERSTONE Consultants, Inc.
David, Jean & Scott Branton