Perfect Innocence

To hold her in your arms is to experience absolute trust. There is no guile in her intent. There is no fear in her eyes. There is no malice in her cry. She believes all will be well. She believes that she can count on you. She believes. She is the picture of innocence. The epitome of trust.

Elle Parker McGill entered a world littered with much ugliness. Greed. Envy. Hatred. War. Lust. Murder. Lies. Deceit. The list goes on. And yet she knows nothing of any of that. Her needs are simple and yet complex. She needs sleep. Lot's of sleep. She needs milk that only her mother can produce. She needs to be kept warm and finds herself wrapped in a sleeper, blankets, and topped off with her first sock hat. She needs to be touched. Held. People are lining up to provide for those needs. She needs love. She has found an abundance.

Why is Elle different from most children born on planet earth? Well, first of all she was born in the wealthiest and arguably the best nation every to grace the surface of our planet. The United States of America is her home. It is not a perfect place but nobody can say that it does not try. With all of it's faults there are still none better. Were it not for the United States of America the world would be at best communist and at worst nazi. The options would not be good. Elle has been placed in the best possible place to be born. She was given to a mother and father who would quickly exchange their lives for hers if the need arose. Her grandparents would do the same as would a host of great grandparents, aunts and uncles. Her parents can provide for her in a fashion that most children will never know. Elle lives in a home that will go to great lengths to educate her and she will have every opportunity to cash in on outstanding possibilities. Elle is loved. She has done nothing to deserve it yet. She cannot do the dishes or wash the laundry. She cannot walk the dog. She cannot clean her room.

Elle can trust. That is about all she can do. The difference between most people and Elle is that Elle is quite aware that others are providing for her. I do not think it has entered her little mind yet that it could possibly be any other way. Me? I try to stand on my own two feet and meet my own needs. And in some worldy ways I am able to do that. But the major things are a gift for me just as they are for Elle.

I cannot buy love. I cannot earn the air that I breath. I cannot make my own water to drink. I canot create myself, sustain myself, or save myself. I am dependent upon another.

Lord, thank you for Elle. She is not even 48 hours old and yet she has taught me much ... reminded me of much. Life is not about me. It is about those I can serve. And it is about the one that served me and provided for me when I was unable to do so myself. If is about you, Lord. Food comes from you. Air comes from you. Water comes from you. Love ... well love comes from you. Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Jesus told me that. Elle just reminded me.

Welcome to the world, my precious granddaughter. I am so glad you are here.
Grandpa Ron
P.S. People keep asking me what I want you to call me. It really does not matter to me, Elle. I'm just honored to be a part of your life. Welcome to our family. Welcome to our world.