The love between new parents and their child is tangible. You can see it. When you are anywhere near, you can feel it. As I witnessed the actions of the child, I was struck by how strong the connection was. The young boy acted with total confidence and belief in his parents. Because of them, he was not afraid of anyone around him. Because of the relationship, his willingness to leap out into space and into his father’s arms was crazily wonderful. New adventures, strange food, and a willingness to run into the next moment without fear were natural actions for this child.
As I think of the young boy, it seems that in his innocence he is giving witness to the power of the connection that exists between his mother and father and his heart. I doubt that he knows what he knows. The relationship is better described that he feels a connection that gives him confidence, hope, and a reason to celebrate by living life fully on the edge. I can only imagine a roomful of boys like this. Wonderful chaos just begins the description. It is as if every boy had heard David observation and responded to it without thinking; “You mark us with blessing, O God. Earth’s four corners – honor him!” (Psalm 67.7)
In contrast this morning was the emerging story of a man not much older than myself. From the outside he had everything to live for. He was part of a family that cared and loved. His work brought happiness and laughter to everyone touched by his perspective and ability to put in into words. So much yet even as this point it would seem that there was a broken connection. Hope seems to have been an illusive friend.
Having glimpsed the darkness his passing now reflects, I find myself focusing on the child and hope. You and I are children of Divinity. Letting this knowledge touch our heart is a first step in experiencing Hope’s embrace. Letting the freedom that follows shape our actions comes soon after.
