March 4 is
no ordinary day for me. As a matter of
fact, it is a very special day because it is your birthday; the birthday of my
first child and my only daughter. I know
this year is extra special to you because you are turning 21! It’s special to dad and me because it
signifies that you are no longer a child.
You have made your way into adulthood and we could not be more proud of
the beautiful young woman that has blossomed right before our eyes.
I clearly
remember the day you were born and how we smiled because you were so much
bigger than the rest of the babies in the nursery – a healthy sign. I remember being mesmerized by your beauty;
big blue eyes, golden curly hair and smooth milky skin (traits that earned your
nicknames Goldilocks and Snow White).
I remember
how cute you looked in your plaid blue uniform on your first day of
kindergarten and how you cried long after the rest of the students had settled
in.
I remember how excited you were at nine years
old when your brother Andrew was born. I also remember that after your baby
brother, Eric was born two years later, the excitement of being “big sister” to two vivacious boys, had dwindled to mere toleration.
I remember
buying your first car when you turned 16 and being thankful that you weren't hurt when you wrecked it shortly after.
I remember feeling
such joy as you walked across the stage during your high school graduation and
then feeling a sudden panic at the thought of you moving away to college and
facing the world on your own for the first time.
You are now
a junior at an acclaimed university that requires much effort and dedication for
success and we are so proud of you. All
the memories we've cherished over the past 21 years have resulted in a life
that is not just celebrated on March 4, but every day. God has intentionally created each of us for a
specific purpose and I know the birthday He gave you is significant to your
calling.
March 4 is
not just another day on the calendar. It
is the only day of the year with a command, “march forth” and it is a reminder
for all of us to press ahead; to walk on.
Walk according to God’s plan as He reminds us, “For I know the plans I
have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
You have always
been faithful to walk through life’s issues with grace and beauty. You know who’s in control of your life and
you submit with such trust and hope. I
know that God’s plans for hope and a future will continue to unfold in your
life because you have heeded to His calling.
And remember, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
I pray that
God places His hand of favor over you today and every day of your future including
your education, your career, your marriage, your children, your health, your
finances and every area that He weaves into your life.
I thank God for choosing me to be your mother and for trusting me with such a precious jewel. I thank you for being such a blessing in our lives and bestowing such kindness and compassion to those around you.
I thank God for choosing me to be your mother and for trusting me with such a precious jewel. I thank you for being such a blessing in our lives and bestowing such kindness and compassion to those around you.
I know that God was thinking of you when He
wrote, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set
you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5.
Happy
birthday to my sweet girl and blessings for many more. May you continue
to march forth in God’s will and appointment for your chosen life!
Love,
Mom
