July 21

I had the opportunity to visit a neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) of a large hospital. There, babies who are born early or have other threatening conditions are given wonderful care and the best resources to allow the babies to flourish.

Despite all the medications and monitors and oxygen therapy and temperature control, and other modern miracles of medicine, the treatment that seems to do the most good for all of the tiny patients is a protocol named “Kangaroo Time”. The baby is given to its parent, who sits and holds the baby in a way that allows for “skin to skin”. The baby’s face and chest and arms and legs are nestled up tight to the uncovered chest of the parent, in a way that allows contact of the baby’s skin to the parent’s skin.

After cuddling in on their parent, I saw the babies immediately calm down, and their vital signs, as registered on the digital monitors, eased into a more natural rhythm. And the parent also relaxed and was soothed. This skin on skin continues for at least an hour. The parent does not have to move or speak. Often the baby and the parent fall asleep together, and have to be aroused when it is time to go.

Babies that have the benefit of this Kangaroo Time generally get well faster than babies without this care. The NICU that I visited insists that the parents come and give their baby this time together to bond and communicate their mutual love.

It occurs to me that a prayer could be considered “Kangaroo Time” with God. You go one on one with God, and get as close to God, through Jesus, as you can. Your body may not go skin on skin with God, but your mind can reach out and get energy from God in that experience.

Dear God, thank you for this prayerful time together with you. Thank you for helping me solve my problems, and to reach peace and comfort. I love this time with you because there is nothing more important for me than to reach out and touch you. You are my strength and comfort in all ways.  Amen