I Have a Dream

I know it's not Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but last night, I was inspired.

The Valentine's Day dinner went beautifully. Hearing the laughter and playful banter around the tables as couples shared their stories warmed my heart. But what really lifted my spirit was seeing teenagers sacrificing four hours to interact with our children, and seeing older married couples attend our event. I listened as Julie and Earle, married for more than fifty years, described the day they met like it was yesterday. Martha and Jim's romance stemmed from friendship nearly thirty years ago, the fruits of which are obvious to this day. I have yet to be married for one decade, but I pray that my marriage will be that strong and that fresh when I am celebrating my thirtieth, fortieth, or fiftieth anniversary.

But I digress a little.

I have a dream.

I have a dream that one day we will build playgrounds next to senior centers, and that we will see seniors reading animatedly to children during story hour at the library.

I have a dream that young people will mow lawns for the elderly and carry their groceries, even when they are not financially compensated for their action, that 'retirement' means volunteering at the local youth center, and 'hanging out at the mall' means taking an elderly neighbor shopping.

I have a dream that teenagers will no longer feel awkward around adults, and that single people will not feel a world apart from married folks with children.

I have a dream that every baby will be held, hugged, kissed, and cherished by someone who sees the value of a child.

I have a dream.

I have a dream that when one enters a church, one will never feel the invisible walls of age differences, unknown standards, or established social networks.

I have a dream that every child will grow up with the wisdom of a grandparent to guide him, even if the grandparent is not his own, that every adult will have someone following in his footsteps, even if the someone is not his kin, that nobody, child or adult, will ever feel worthless and unloved.

I have a dream that all generations will sit around a dinner table and feast together, not only at Christmas or Easter, but everyday, and not only with blood relatives, but with everyone.

I have a dream that life on earth will look more like life on heaven.

I have a dream.