Basking in the Florida sunshine by our hotel pool, we never expected a phone call like this one. Our younger son FaceTimed us to reveal his brand new baby safe and sound but a thousand miles away.
We all jumped to our feet screaming, “WHAT?” In an instant, family members were FaceTiming other family members so they could hear the news firsthand. The celebration grew!
Our screeches of delight echoed across the water, as sunbathers lifted their sunglasses to assess our rowdy scene. Baby Cooper wasn’t supposed to arrive until next month but he decided to enter the world 3 1/2 weeks early. I had jokingly told my daughter-in-law, “Now don’t you go having this baby while we’re gone.” She promised she wouldn’t.
A promise she couldn’t keep. Vinyl Drew Cooper entered our world that morning at 11:18. Our fifth grandchild was born. And we weren’t there! Beach or no beach, life has priorities. And Vinyl was one of them! We scrambled to change our plans and headed home.
Our flight set down in Indy just in time. Vinyl and his parents were released from the hospital about the time big sister got out of kindergarten. After giving their family of four some time to settle in, we got our turn. My heart was beating fast with excitement. We couldn’t wait to meet our new little guy. Neither could the rest of the families.
I’ve always heard it takes a village to raise a child. And that’s just what we got that evening as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of the family gathered together to celebrate their newest member. They say cousins are our first best friends. And Vinyl has a slew of them. Ten to be exact. And a big sister. It was almost chaotic as one by one every adult and child waited their turn to hold him.
There was food, laughter, photography and cuddles as we oohed and ahhed over our precious baby boy. But the highlight of our time together was when Pops led the village in a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing over mommy, daddy, sister and brother. Vinyl Drew is surrounded by a sacred village. Not because we’re all perfect, but we’re all forgiven. Believers in Jesus Christ. Serving the Master in various careers and ministries. A village that will continue to pray over Vinyl for the rest of his life. Is that a gift from God or what?
God’s words shall be written on your heart and mind. You shall teach them diligently to your children, impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6
Vinyl Drew is a miracle baby. Aren’t they all? But I’ve never seen so many people in one place hovering over the birth of a child. One who represents resurrection life, restoration and beauty. And for that we give God all the praise.
We have an assignment. This village and I. To point this baby toward Jesus. What a joy it will be to watch him grow physically and spiritually in the days and years ahead! Yes, Vinyl has a village. And this sacred village now has Vinyl!
To God be the glory!