Lily girl,
Every year I look forward to a whole day dedicated to celebrating the wonderful gift of you. As we keep journeying on, our relationship grows deeper and I become even more thankful for the girl God made you to be.
Lily, the qualities I see emerging from you are so encouraging. You are compassionate, seeking to minister to the hearts of those around you. You also have a strong sense of justice and are most frequently displaying this in relation to your brother! But I also notice how you are acutely aware of those things in this world that are not right, and how you desperately want them taken care of. We need more people like you. It is evident to me that you have a keen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and it is I that ends up learning. You have helped me re-gain a sense of awe and wonder.
You are crazy about horses. It is officially part of your "5 year plan" for us to move to the country and own one of those beautiful creatures. I have so much fun pulling up a seat and listening to your dreams. Don't ever stop dreamin', girl. God plants those in your heart and mind, and they are purposeful. You have also taken a liking to reading and cooking. These two activities totally fill up my quality time love tank as we engage in them together. I'm grateful for those memories we're creating and sometimes feel like my heart is swelling in even the most mundane days, just because we get to do them side by side.
You are a planner, through and through. Much of the excitement for you is found in the sheer anticipation of an event, as much as the event itself. You are in your happy place envisioning how ideas will come together and create special moments. I'm seeing you as a strong leader. So much so, that I often remind you to slow down and let Daddy and I be in charge. This has been like a mirror held up to me. It has enabled me to recognize how I often do the same in my relationship with Daddy and also with the Lord. Barreling ahead with my own agenda, I need prompting and reminders that true freedom lies in surrendering control. God's kingdom is upside down and I hope we can keep remembering that for His glory and our good.
You are a loyal person. This is such a remarkable character trait that seems to be fading away in our culture. Don't be afraid to let your light shine and do what's unpopular. It will always be worth it, no matter what the cost. You are considerate and thoughtful, taking the time to meditate on what might bless someone else. Often this manifests itself in your passion to make things for others. You pour your heart and soul into each creation. You are also very tender-hearted. I'm becoming more certain by the day that God putting your sensitive spirit and Silas's audacious nature together in the same family was a strategic move to refine me. And let me tell you, it's working! :) You are finding ways to play well but it almost always ends with someone getting upset. I'm asking God to give me the grace and energy to train you through this and I know we'll get there. In the meantime, we'll learn and be stretched and that's okay.
You are an excellent songwriter. Sometimes I'm floored by what you come up with, honestly. You also are gifted at memorization and retaining information. You pick up on things quickly and have a hunger for knowledge. You are extremely inquisitive. You being wired this way gives me excitement in knowing you'll have a life-long love of learning. As we began our homeschooling journey this year, I didn't come close to imagining how awesome it would be. I am seriously crazy blessed to be both your mom and teacher.
You are just over the moon about Daddy/Daughter dates. There's a brilliant sparkle in your eyes as I witness you two adore each other. I see Daddy cultivating a high standard in your heart and my sincere hope is that you'll never settle for anything less than God's best for you. I love that every day when we hear Daddy pull in the driveway, we glance at each other and say, "There's my favorite man!". Cheesy, yes, but full of truth.
Just recently, you've become more responsible and are eager to help me do things around the house. Your favorite job is letting Jax out in the morning and feeding him. You told me once, "It feels nice to know I can meet someone's need." Although on a smaller scale right now, that sentiment will serve you well as you mature and the Lord equips you to meet the needs of many. I have a confidence that He will.
You do not prefer to be in the spotlight, however. In fact, that is why you were adamant that you didn't want to celebrate at Hickory Park, for fear that they'd come out and sing to you! "How embarassing!", you said. And just a few days ago, you lost your first tooth. Your sixth year looks to be lots of growing up happening all over the place. Simultaneously, though, you still love to cuddle up in my lap and I'm reveling in the mix of those, in this stage.
As we close the door on this year of your life, I am filled with joy as we open the door to the next. Our God is full of surprises and I am looking forward to seeing all the ways He will use you in this world. I continue to overflow with gratitude that He chose me to be the mother of sweet Lily Maren. You're the best.
Love,
Mommy
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