JOY TO THE WORLD

On this very special occasion, I would like to dedicate this to the children in Nairobi, Kenya. They put a smile on my face and put tears to my eyes. Despite all that is lacking in their daily life and the pathetic living condition, the children never fail to put on a smile for me during my 10 days workshop and field study hosted by Dignity International. They will always have a special place in my heart.

Another Day Has Dawned
- by Kit McCallum

Amidst our chaos and confusion
Amidst our anguish and despair
Amidst our never-ending questions and blame
...... Lies a world of lessons

Through our tears and astonishment
Through our hopelessness and desperations

Through our anxienty and grief
...... Lies a world of shame

For it is our world that is responsible
It is our world that allowed his sadness
It is our world that has lost its youth
...... And it is our world that needs to change

It is a warning for those who would isolate it
It is a warning for those who would bury it
It is a warning for those who think it will not touch them
...... It is we, who need to address it

For this is the birth of our own generation
This is the birth of our own problems
This is the birth of our own mistakes
...... It is we, who needed to watch over them

A new generation who have hopes and dreams
A new generation who have life and laughter
A new generation who deserve a chance at peace
...... It is we who need to make them secure

It is time to stop talking in circles
It is time to stop blaming and pointing
It is time to stop questioning and guessing
...... It is time to accept the burden and act

We are not blameless
We are not above reproach
We are not perfect role models
...... For we are the generation they emulate

Look beyond your own circle of life
Look beyond your picket fences and chained doors
Look beyond your own backyard
...... And admit your frailties and failures

Did you not once look the other way?
Did you not once stay quiet when you should have spoken?
Did you not once say I cannot change it?
...... Do you know that we can make a difference?

One small voice can begin to move mountains
One caring gesture can begin to enlighten others
One shoulder to lean on, can ease another's pain
...... Did you know that you are that one?

Listen to those who are in jeorpady
Listen to that small voice whispering that they are in trouble
Listen to that child with the wayward furtive glance
...... And be prepared to take part in their future

For if you do not listen and talk
If you do not participate and take responsibility
If you do not guide and offer them your heart and wisdom
...... It is we, who will join in their misery

It reaches beyond your own immediate children
It reaches beyond their friends and peers
It reaches beyond their nieces and nephews
...... For it is every child you come in contact with

Positive action begins in our own backyards
Positives actions flows through your own neighbourhood
Positive actions can encompass your own small town and city
...... And through this, we are all connected

Be a mentor when others fail to counsel
Be a counsellor when others fail to listen
Be a listener when others fail to notice
...... Be a positive experience with every child you meet

For yesterday, someone looked the other way
Yesterday, someone pretended they did not see
Yesterday, someone passed by without offering help
...... But today, it is not too late

Today, you can make a difference in someone's life
Today, you can offer your love and guidance
Today, you can choose to be positive influence for another
...... And then may be, just may be, our world will change you