I write this after waiting for the birth of our granddaughter, Ava, born yesterday. There is something powerfully humbling about holding six and a half pounds of hope in your arms, as there is something deeply empowering to have her blue eyes look intently back into yours. It is as if the very voice of God is saying, "Here, look at Me and see my creation in this bundle you are holding!" It takes me back to a similar story of swaddling cloths and the birth of One whose tiny hands once shaped the world now stretched to curl around a mother's finger.
The name, Ava, depending on the source from which you draw, is either Germanic or Latin in origin and means, 'bird'. Ava, one who flies, who soars in the heavens on the breath of the God from whose Life she is drawn. Ava, one who sees beyond the plains of the earth to the horizons of living which is beyond landbound eyesight. Ava, one whose song is lilting through the skies to the heavens above and the earth beneath, a gift of praise on the ears of the God in whose image she is created. Ava, washed in the birthwaters of humanity and blessed in the birthwaters of Divinity to rise on the wings of eagles. Ava, the grace of God in the flight of life born to us this day.
Like Cailin, her older sister, Ava arrives in our family to transform it as only new life is able. In her hunger cries, she will call us to remember the hungry. In her thirsting, she will cry out for those whose lives are parched. In her tears of anger, she will remind us of those seeking justice. In her cooing, she will hearken us to be peacemakers. In her laughter, she will lead in embracing the Child in us all. In her wakening, she will open our eyes to the wonders of God's new day before us. In her sleeping, she will invite us to rejuvenation of life and soul in God's care. And in her reaching out to us in trust as she lies curled in our arms, she will embrace our lives in God's trust that reaches out to us in love.
We are blessed to receive this gift of God among us, twice blessed as Ava joins her big sister Cailin in prospering our lives.
A Grandfather's prayer for this newly born granddaughter: Ava, may you rise on the wings of God's Spirit, may you dwell in the heart of God's Love through Christ, and may you ever reflect the fullness of faith in the One from Whom you come and to Whom you go. Blessed are you, Ava, and those into whose lives you have journeyed. Blessed are your parents who birthed and love you, and blessed is your sister who adores you. May your blessings ever surround and keep you, Ava Isabel, child of God, disciple of Christ, member of the Church. ~ from your Papa
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Don
4 comments:
Congratulations! What a beautiful name, and I can't wait to see her!
It did not matter how many children I had, the miracle of birth & their tiny perfect presence never ceased to amaze and humble me. I was present when 3 or my grandchildren were born and it was still the same. Total awe.
Something told me I should have waited to read this until my students were out of the room! Now they are looking at me and wondering why I have tears. What beautiful words for our newest little miracle! Thanks for sharing your very personal words with all of us.
I know there are two great-grandmothers looking down from heaven on these wonderful children: With new found love for little Ava Isabel, and with continued love for big sister Cailin and parents Bethany and Matt. One of those great-grandmothers, whose name is also Isabel, will most certainly have a heart that is warmed by the name chosen for this new life!!
From a very proud great aunt Sissy
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