Two years ago today, my world changed. The whole world changed, actually. Because my grandson arrived.
Jonathan Miller Alligood, Jr.
In just two years, he has given us a lifetime of laughs and cheer, a universe full of hugs and kisses, and enough hope and promise to fill the whole world. That's what babies do to us all. That's why we applaud their arrival, marvel at their uniqueness, and lay down our lives to make theirs better. They give us a glimpse of God's greatness, His love, and our hope in Him.
Dear Jonathan, I know you've inherited a world where peace is not ubiquitous, a country where selfish agendas set the pace, and an extended family that is far from perfect. But I pray that you will be able to change all that, even if only a little bit. I pray that you will be so aware that the foundation of love you've been set on is sure and strong that you'll have what it takes to bring about transformation in the lives around you. If I could, my precious little fella, I would fix it all for you. I'd make everything perfect for you to enjoy.
I'd love to give you
a world where differences in cultures and nationalities are celebrated, not persecuted
a world that listens to others' viewpoints respectfully, even if without agreement
a world that rewards hard work instead of clever ways to beat the system
a world that is generous and compassionate to those who deserve it....as well as to those who don't
a world where people think before they speak or post or email...and then act wisely on those thoughts
a world where initiative is applauded instead of regulated
a world where Moms and Dads are more interested in making things better for their kids than grasping for that elusive gold ring
a world where the helpless are helped and the capable act with competence
a world where there is trust....because it's been earned
a world where broken relationships get fixed instead of discarded
a world where the "rights" of some people don't trample on those of others
a world where people are happy and have fun together
a world where all the chocolate and gummy bears we want won't make us sick
a world where Truth is constant and Love reigns supreme
Dear little Jonathan, until HE returns and makes all things new, we will only have fragments of that kind of world. One day there will be no more cancer, no more divorce, no more hurtful words, no prejudicial opinions, no more hate, no more orphans, no more death, no more selfishness or laziness or greed.
I can't change the whole world, dear Jonathan. And, as much as I'd like to believe you can, the truth is, you can't either.
But until HE comes to change it all forever, I'll do everything in my power to make YOUR world as perfect as perfect can be. As only a grandmother can.
Happy Birthday, Jonathan. I'm so glad you were born. Suzie loves you. Forever.
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children
Revelation 21:1-7
Jonathan Miller Alligood, Jr.
In just two years, he has given us a lifetime of laughs and cheer, a universe full of hugs and kisses, and enough hope and promise to fill the whole world. That's what babies do to us all. That's why we applaud their arrival, marvel at their uniqueness, and lay down our lives to make theirs better. They give us a glimpse of God's greatness, His love, and our hope in Him.
Dear Jonathan, I know you've inherited a world where peace is not ubiquitous, a country where selfish agendas set the pace, and an extended family that is far from perfect. But I pray that you will be able to change all that, even if only a little bit. I pray that you will be so aware that the foundation of love you've been set on is sure and strong that you'll have what it takes to bring about transformation in the lives around you. If I could, my precious little fella, I would fix it all for you. I'd make everything perfect for you to enjoy.
I'd love to give you
a world where differences in cultures and nationalities are celebrated, not persecuted
a world that listens to others' viewpoints respectfully, even if without agreement
a world that rewards hard work instead of clever ways to beat the system
a world that is generous and compassionate to those who deserve it....as well as to those who don't
a world where people think before they speak or post or email...and then act wisely on those thoughts
a world where initiative is applauded instead of regulated
a world where Moms and Dads are more interested in making things better for their kids than grasping for that elusive gold ring
a world where the helpless are helped and the capable act with competence
a world where there is trust....because it's been earned
a world where broken relationships get fixed instead of discarded
a world where the "rights" of some people don't trample on those of others
a world where people are happy and have fun together
a world where all the chocolate and gummy bears we want won't make us sick
a world where Truth is constant and Love reigns supreme
Dear little Jonathan, until HE returns and makes all things new, we will only have fragments of that kind of world. One day there will be no more cancer, no more divorce, no more hurtful words, no prejudicial opinions, no more hate, no more orphans, no more death, no more selfishness or laziness or greed.
I can't change the whole world, dear Jonathan. And, as much as I'd like to believe you can, the truth is, you can't either.
But until HE comes to change it all forever, I'll do everything in my power to make YOUR world as perfect as perfect can be. As only a grandmother can.
Happy Birthday, Jonathan. I'm so glad you were born. Suzie loves you. Forever.
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children
Revelation 21:1-7