Rufus

I work with an incredible team of people.  All committed to strengthening the emotional health of children in the corner of the world in which they wander.  Together we work to make the world a better place ... sometimes one child and one family at a time.

Tonight we celebrated the anticipated birth of "Rufus".  Now "Rufus" isn't his real name ... it is the name I have given the child to be born ... The parents are so excited ... they smile when they talk about the future.  This baby will be decked out in the finest fashions ... will have a real radio flyer wagon with wood sidings, lotions to keep the skin soft and parents who are attentive.  Grandparents have been advised that what was safe 30 years ago doesn't meet today's standards.  Heck 50+ years ago they didn't even have seat belts in cars.

But let's get back to Rufus.  Rufus really will be named Kyle.  

Kyle will be surrounded by love and hope and belief in all that is good.  

Kyle will be brought to the holy waters of baptism.

Kyle will be held in the arms of parents and grandparents who will see his goodness.

Kyle will have a mother and father who know how to laugh, love, and play!

Kyle will come into a village of love, of faith, of anticipation of what is to come!

So appropriate during these days of advent ... these days of waiting and yearning for a child ... 

Kyle will most likely be born in a hospital.

The baby Jesus was born in a manger.

Both births highly anticipated ... 

Both births bringing hope for the future

May Kyle be surrounded with love and confidence and boundaries and faith

May those of us that surround Kyle hold him in the everlasting love of God ... may he experience the open hands of grace ... the warmth of forgiveness ... and may he respond to the call to serve.

Yes ... Kyle is much anticipated. 

His parents wait and hope and love ... 

His grandparents spoil and give him guidance.

His extended "village" smile with love and joy 

Yes ... Kyle, know that you are loved ... and very much anticipated.

For whom are you waiting?