To My Girl

My Dear Girl,

Today we sat on the swing set watching the horses graze in the yard. Then, I hoisted you up, and you rode bare back while I led the horses around the yard. I sit now feeling thankful and blessed.

Yesterday I read an article by Ann Voskamp. Girls younger than you being sold and mistreated. Girls torn from their families and their poor hearts being ripped apart. I got up with a heavy heart, broken for these young ones.

I know that God loves you both. He has a plan for each of you, but why some have to endure such horror, I cannot say. I can only trust His promises, and He gives them the same promises that He gives you. I encourage you to read His promises, memorize His promises, keep them in your heart because those promises are what get you through this life.

My Dear Girl, I pray that you do not take this life that God has given you for granted. You have so many blessings in your life right now. I hope that you will always look at the big picture. In our society, it becomes easy to be near sighted and only look at the things that affect you right here and right now. As Christians, God calls us to love and serve others. That is not the norm for the American middle class. I pray that we don't become so inward that we neglect to see the needs of others around us. Don't get caught up in the petty squabbles that will distract you from focusing on Christ and His work through you. Remember Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

You have so much life, passion, and spunk. You have pushed me to do things that I thought were impossible. You have made me grow and become a better person. I see your smile when you do something for someone else. I love the "thank-yous" you leave for waiters and waitresses at restaurants. Keep doing for others. Keep your eyes open and be ready to share God's love with others. Keep trusting Him to help you grow and to mold you into the person He wants you to be. He has big plans for you, and I am so glad that I get to be your mom and see you grow in His love.

Love you bunches!
Mom