Jeff McCallum

Welcome to the world little one! May you grow redwood straight and flower beautiful.

Kids today can be born into a world

Of peoples and places oblivious to their cries
Born into a world tending more and more
Exclusively to its own walled garden;
Not giving much,

If any,
Sustenance to these tiny miracles,
Alpha and Omega of our future.
In fact,
All but ignoring them.
How, I wonder, will your survive?

Many hearts and hands will hold you,
Call your name with love,
Carry you over rocks and thistles,
Allow you to grow,
Learn
Love
Until and as you take your first tenuous steps
Make your first mistake,

Stumble on the unforeseen or trip on the foretold
Experience pain, joy, life, love,
Create a new generation
Offering hope to this earth
Now and forever!
Dare to love, to live, to learn, to teach.

Because you were born in joy,

Of love,

Raised with hope and

Nurtured with truth your soul

Shall be the soul
Of three generations and beyond.
Nidus and native to our hearts.

Though all the mountains be shaken

and the hills be removed

yet my unfailing love for you

will not be shaken

Isaiah 54:10