Newborns

There’s no need for TV or any other entertainment when there’s a new baby in the room. You just put the baby in the center of the room and adults position themselves around for an undisturbed view. Every twitch of the baby has running commentary and every quick upturned smile is admired. New gadgets are passed about the room and other mothers wonder how much easier it could have been with these newer conveniences. When little eyes begin to flutter there’s a craning of necks to determine if the baby is waking up, and what color the eyes are. Everyone looks at their watch estimating if the baby could be hungry again, and theories are shared about feeding on demand or keeping to a schedule. Does it look like the right hand or left hand is favored? Do you see a little red tint to the hair color? Those nearest the baby stroke the soft skin and will sit motionless for hours if the baby wraps its small hand around an index finger. There’s overall pleasure when the baby makes the little squeaks that are distinctive to newborns, and there’s no better napping than having a sleeping baby on your chest. It’s just like having your very own miracle, right before your eyes. Welcome to the family little Kate! You are a blessing indeed.

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things –
wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.” – Eda J. Le Shan

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God of Miracles, we are thankful for babies and new life! We feel like their life is the beginning of something limitless and grand. There is a belief in fresh hope and prospects for boundless opportunities. Each child is a gift, a blessing, with their own purpose and their own unique relation to our world. We have a wonderful chance to see your direct works, and the change in ourselves and others through our entwined lives with this new child of God. We are filled with amazement and wonder at the miracle of life. May we view each day as a new beginning and appreciate our own opportunity to live as a newly formed person, molded by your hands. You swaddle us and hold us tightly in your care to restore a sense of calm. Make us as helpless as a newborn, dependent on your word and your will. Amen.