Emilie

A little girl
A feisty, perky, red-haired girl
stretched out
buck naked
for loving family members to welcome her
and embrace her
and label her their very own.
The holiness of that moment!
The wonder!
The deep seated joy!
The privilege to stand as witness
to God's magnificent creativity.

We cradled her and loved her
and offered her back to the God of love
that her life might bless the world
even as she was now blessing us.

Today she turns sixteen.
She still has red hair, now shiny and sleek
a beautiful smile
curves to fill out her tight jeans
and a good mind excelling in school.

May God always hold her close
and guide her gently to her call.