Every year, I write a birthday post.
I had every intention of getting this one up two weeks ago. You know, in time.
But with the hustle and bustle of their actual birthday and Bray’s new job and our being in and out of town, it took me a smidge longer.
The words from every year still feel true and still feel like they’re changing. I read assorted old posts – from three and four to six and eight.
For the eldest, words like competitive and athletic and snuggling and curious. For years now, interests lead with football but include anything around games or the farm and ranch.
Then with our little bit, words like kind and artistic and athletic and independent. And interests ranging from dolls and crafts to dance and Legos.
And the baby, words like curious and emotional and intelligent and compassionate. While interests have led with fishing for a few years, they are incredibly diverse from cooking to reading to all sports.
If I could share one thing with each of you this year, this formative year on the brink of child and tween, I would tell you this.
Sweet S,
I love you. You are miraculous and created in God’s image. While you struggle between great pride in what you achieve and intense self-criticism when you don’t “win”, I would ask you to pause. I understand this cycle of pride and self-doubt so well. I’ve lived it. Life will deal you many successes as well as many set backs. Hold on. You have so many talents. Your life verse in Proverbs 3 can light the way to navigate it all: Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and He will make your paths straight. You have had my heart since the second I held you in my arms. Never doubt that. You be you.
Love always,
Mom
Lovely L,
I hope we never stop our mutual admiration: I love you… No, I love you more… Not possible! You will be a force to be reckoned with. You stand your ground with the boys but have maintained your femininity. Let God lead your independent spirit with grace and modesty. Don’t worry about what others are doing, let His wisdom guide you well. Your life verse in Ephesians 3 can ground you in your faith: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith… I will always be here for you, no matter what. Lead bravely.
Love you little bit,
Mom
Precious W,
And so my sweet baby by 30 seconds, you end up last on the list again but never last in my heart. God has given you a deep wellspring of emotion, more mature than any child I’ve ever met, but it can be painfully hard to balance at this young age. Feeling all the people’s emotions must feel like wildfire at times. And while it gives you great empathy, it can also lead to other harder emotions to manage. Hang in there. Your life verse, we could not have known, how it would be such a touchstone for the things ahead. Colossians 3 can remind you: We always thank God for you…when we pray for you because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people…We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives… I love you so much. Step into your bold calling.
All my love,
Mom
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