Imago Dei

I'm standing in a corner of a large room near a large fake plant, holding my baby, and smiling quietly at the class of '22. I'm feeling shy, so I'm just here working up the courage to cross the room and talk to some of my old students. 

But there's no need. 

Because here they come. 

Students who now tower above me, parents who once authored some rather stressful emails, the 8th grade boy I have nothing in common with...

All coming to see me, talk, engage with my baby. 

Having Eliána has broken down so many barriers in ways I never would have imagined. 

But not just with people I once knew... everyone.

The girl with sunkissed hair, a flowery dress, licking a dripping ice cream cone: grinning from ear to ear at the sight of her.

The young, fit guys stopping for a coffee at the local bakery after a workout in the park, "Can we help you carry the stroller down the stairs?"

The couple on the park bench, melting into smiles at the sight of her. 

But also:

The withered old lady who takes five minutes of slow, methodical plodding in her squeaky sneakers to arrive at the parked stroller and beg for a peek.

The homeless man with skin leathery and crinkled from the sun, eyes scrunched as he smiles at her.

The shirtless drunk holding a sign, staggering after us in the park, slurring, "She's so cute!" 

And then:

The lady sweeping up last night's litter in the party district, bent over her broom, face filled with light as Eliána smiles at her. "I'm sorry, I'm a bit dirty, sweetie. I can't hold you." 

I turn, eyes big, as I see this lady...  only a few teeth, oozing eyes, smelling like the garbage she's sweeping. And Eli-girl looks her in the eyes, smiles, looks away, looks back and smiles even bigger, kicking her feet with delight. 

Because Eli recognizes something I am quick to forget. 

She recognizes the stamp, the imprint of the Creator on His creation. 

Imago Dei. 

God's image reflected in humanity. 

And when she smiles and engages with those who I would rather avoid, she's teaching me. 

Teaching me what it looks like to break down barriers. 

Teaching me what it looks like to love and extend the hospitality of a smile, of eye contact, and to acknowledge the humanity of each individual: the sweet little girl with the ice cream cone, and the disheveled lady sweeping the streets.

Teaching me the inherent worth of human life. 

Imago Dei in every human.