HENRY

Rev. Dr. Kate Winters, “Dwelling in Presence,” August 12, 2023

I rose to an unusual sky this morning. Pale peach clouds stretched horizontally over the southern horizon. At one point in the east, three separate strands seemed to break out of order to jump straight up, shining with the sun that had not fully risen. They seemed to be trying to touch the tiny sliver of a moon that was hanging above them. Why? Why this little spurt of exuberance from clouds in the sky? I’d never seen anything like it. Perhaps I would have to take that meteorologist training I sometimes wish I had to better undertand the skies that so often transfix my attention. But no, with time to observe and wonder, I think I will be satisfied with this extraordinary skyscape as gift.

I watched until the clouds merged with the baby blue sky and the moon was barely visible. Then my eyes fell on our three year old hydrangea bush in full flourish. It is called a “Watermelon” hydrangea, the blossom beginning as creamy white, turning from stem up into a pale pink. Soon it will take on its full color – a deep pinkish rose – resembling the color of a ripe watermelon. How does this happen? Do I need a course in horticulture? I guess some things are just meant to be loved and enjoyed if not understood. Like the skies, they are to be gratefully received as gift.

Yesterday, Joel and I received the most precious of gifts. Our friends, Katelyn and Isaac, brought their newborn son, Henry, over to the house to meet us. It sounded like all three of them had quite an adventure in his being born, and so I was especially amazed when the first thing Katelyn did was put Henry right in my arms, with none of the anxiety and hesitancy that I have experienced with many newborn moms being coaxed into letting others hold their little ones. With Henry, I didn’t even have to ask!

Two things bring me nearly to tears as I think about them this morning. First, of course, was this tiny little life I cradled close to me for the first time. How beautifully and intricately he was created. I do not often express myself in Bible quotes, but this brought me right to my favorite Psalm 139, which cries “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” There is absolutely nothing, nothing like holding a newborn baby, this breathing, wiggly little miracle of life. In that moment, it feels as if the world is just as it should be and you are just as you should be. Suddenly filled with a brand new love that immediately ignites not only a concern for the baby’s wellbeing, but for the wellbeing of the world that he will grow up in. As I cradled his tiny head in my hand, I was both blessed and awed.

Secondly, I was also blessed and awed by the tremendous trust and generosity of his parents, Isaac and Katelyn. The love that flows through their marriage and shows on their faces, is shared readily with their community. And their community is wide – family, friends, town, work places, church, school where Isaac teaches, all the places where they sing! It reaches from Maine to Texas and beyond! They offer themselves and their gifts with such grace and ease. And now, they are sharing their most precious gift, Henry. I am sure that Henry is already thriving in this lifegiving environment he was born into – being showered with all that trust, love, wonder and joy. That is one fortunate little man! I feel fortunate to be able to watch all of them grow and stretch together – like the three strands of exuberant clouds reaching for the moon, a rare and beautiful sight.