Here is a child

Here is a child.  He is a tiny human, with all of the humanness that a human can human.  This means that he has a million shortcomings, imperfections, and inadequacies, and an infinite capacity for love. 

Here is a child.  Like all the others, there are times he will be loud and annoying and mischievous and sassy.  He will make mistakes, and be selfish and messy.  This is how children are built; these things are not bugs, they are features. 

Here is a child.  Over time, he will grow and learn and change.  The seeds are already within him.  You do not get to choose which seeds.  Your task is to keep watch for tender green shoots, and to give them the right amounts of sun and water.

Here is a child.  He may not be sure that this world is the right world for him.  He may wonder where he fits in.  And (this part is important): he may not fit in.  When this is the case, he will need for you to create a small, safe world of two, where he not only fits in, but is the main prize.                                                                                                             

Here is a child.  It is not for you to break his spirit.  Children with crushed spirits take longer to find their rhythm in life; some never do.  Your role is consequential and nuanced – to bless the wonder, to coax his better angels, and to fiercely protect that thing inside of him that make his eyes shine. 

Here is a child.  Be a model for him; a model of compassion, hard work, strong character, and all that you hope for him to see in the world.  Lay aside thoughts of what you want him to be in the world; that is a mystery for him alone to unfurl. 

Here is a child.  Lent to you, for this life only.  Full of wonder, forged of stardust, in possession of a soul hungry for meaning and connection.  Watch him be, and treasure the miracle.