Recently, I was gazing out the window and noticed a walker pushing a child in a stroller. I imagined the person navigating was a grandparent. It was a cold day, and my first thought was: that youngster should have a hat! Now, in fairness, maybe the child did have a hat but preferred not to wear it. All parents and grandparents have had the: “I won’t wear this!” battle of wills. How much to insist is part of the wisdom of the moment.
Warmth and safety are part of the parenting agenda. Once a newborn is totally in our care, the 24/7 dimension of the task becomes abruptly clear.
Through their growing-up years, it seems we were constantly reminding our children to dress appropriately for the weather. Apparently, at some point, how one appears to one’s peers is more important than weather sense.
In the winter months of my childhood, I remember my mother knitting me pairs and pairs of mittens. She was an accomplished knitter. Coming in from snowy winter play, I remember hanging frosted mittens near the heat register to dry.
My parents’ love took care of me in so many ways, large and small. I doubt I appreciated it at the time.
In the Christmas narrative of Luke’s Gospel, Mary wrapped the newborn Jesus in swaddling clothes (Luke 2:7).
We hold our babies close to us, to warm and console, to love and give comfort.
This past month I watched my wife knit scarves as gifts for the women in our family. My modest knowledge of knitting recognizes that every stitch is significant; each knitting needle movement draws the yarn into a network, a fabric, a new creation. A single strand is woven into an interconnection that becomes more than we would have imagined. Together the stitches yield something to give us comfort and provide us with warmth.
When we pray with our families, every prayer is significant. In a way, our prayer knits us closer together. Father Peyton knew this. When we pray together, we create an expression of common faith that gives comfort and warmth.
“Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1)
Let our prayer realize the Lord’s dwelling within our families as we approach the New Year. Let us be drawn to His will ever renewing our family’s love for one another and all God’s people.