A Great Life

My daughter’s family was getting ready for newborn baby Will’s big trip out into the world, leaving the hospital for destination home. Will’s older brother, soon to be six, put his small hands on each side of the car seat and leaned close to the baby’s face. He said in a somewhat hushed tone, “Will, you’re going to have a great life.” Our hearts melt as we reflect on the love and care contained in these few words.  We exhale a bit, believing this positive message just may indicate that our family has done a few thing right. Then we pray, because we so want this blessing to come to fruition.

We’re also realistic. We know that a great life for baby Will, his brother, sister, and cousins, does not mean have a perfect life.  Henri Nouwen may have said it best, “Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment.” What we do confidently hope for, and will work fervently to achieve, is that Will and all of these dear children, will have people in their lives to love and support them; to celebrate with them in times of success; cry with them in times of sorrow; show up for them in times of need; and that whatever the number of their days, that they will learn, give, grow; that in this troubled world where all of us have struggled to find our way and make a difference, that they will too and not yield to all the things that could take them off track.  Blessings to Will as Act One of his contribution to of all of eternity unfolds.

My daughter’s family was getting ready for newborn baby Will’s big trip out into the world, leaving the hospital for destination home. Will’s older brother, soon to be six, put his small hands on each side of the car seat and leaned close to the baby’s face. He said in a somewhat hushed tone, “Will, you’re going to have a great life.” Our hearts melt as we reflect on the love and care contained in these few words.  We exhale a bit, believing this positive message just may indicate that our family has done a few thing right. Then we pray, because we so want this blessing to come to fruition.

We’re also realistic. We know that a great life for baby Will, his brother, sister, and cousins, does not mean have a perfect life.  Henri Nouwen may have said it best, “Our life is a short time in expectation, a time in which sadness and joy kiss each other at every moment.” What we do confidently hope for, and will work fervently to achieve, is that Will and all of these dear children, will have people in their lives to love and support them; to celebrate with them in times of success; cry with them in times of sorrow; show up for them in times of need; and that whatever the number of their days, that they will learn, give, grow; that in this troubled world where all of us have struggled to find our way and make a difference, that they will too and not yield to all the things that could take them off track.  Blessings to Will as Act One of his contribution to of all of eternity unfolds.