Blessed by a Baby

Have you ever noticed the hush that surrounds a newborn? The infant's power is to evoke tenderness and wonder. I've witnessed the most burly of men and busy young children slow down to find a tiny voice and a gentle touch before an infant.

I'm blessed to be surrounded by young children who carry a hint of the baby about them. They are innocent, wonderful and powerful in their presence. They remember the look of love that met them when they first arrived. Their expectations of the world can be a better match for heaven but with our guidance, they learn to adapt to life as it is, to bring their best and make the best of our imperfect world.

The challenge of parenting is to gaze lovingly at our growing and at times, demanding children while also bringing ongoing lessons about how life works. In other words, to teach the baby how to be a child who gets along with others and grows up to be an adult who can fulfill his or her purpose and mission. It's a long journey and it begins with the most wonderous and beautiful of beings, the baby.

Perhaps that's why I am so enamored with the Christmas story; it centers around an infant, an image I can relate to. Time begins with this infant, the stars align for him and all the world awaits and celebrates his arrival every year.

At this time of year in the natural world, the light begins its return and on our calendars, the new year begins. It's a time to pause and remember. We were all once infants and by virtue of our humanity, we have the power to experience awe, to be tender with ourselves and others and to begin again.

Another cycle and continuing cycles of life await us. For now, take time to experience wonder, to celebrate and to know the blessing of the baby surrounds us.