December 6, 2022

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” (1 John 3:1)

Nathaniel Hawthorne found himself alone with his 5 year old son for 3 weeks in the Berkshires. The writer was nearly 50 at the time. His wife took their older daughter and their newborn to Boston for 3 weeks, leaving their son Julian in his father’s care. This was a novel experience for the deeply introverted writer. The boy peppered his father with questions and babbled all day long. They were constant playmates outdoors. Hawthorne was both exasperated and delighted by his son.

Hawthorne kept a diary, recording their days together.  The barrage of queries and musings, pelting the helpless father from dawn until dusk, made it impossible “to write, read, think, or even to sleep (in the daytime).”  Still, Hawthorne delighted in the “genial and good-humored little man” — “the old gentleman”.  Julian was “felicitating himself continually on the license of making what noise he pleased… He enjoys his freedom so greatly, that I do not mean to restrain him.”

This speaks of our Heavenly Father’s love for us. We babble to, exasperate, and yet, delight God!

“Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he fall; and in his heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For a Birthday – BCP)