12 Years

Dear Bookworm,

I can hardly believe that 12 years ago this evening you finally came onto the scene...12 days overdue. We named you Sheltered and Pure. And this, by God's grace you have been. I remember crying in the first week after your birth, astounded by the fierce love I felt, amazed that my mother had felt the same for me and that mothers for centuries had felt this same thing.

From the start you were half grown. You were such a strong baby and never felt fragile to me. Your strength gave me the confidence I needed as a new mom. Daddy commented on how relaxed I seemed in caring for you. I am sure that part of this confidence came from the confidence you carried from birth, confidence that God made and grew within you.

You were so awake and aware and so there. And so you have remained until now. You embrace life with gusto. You love without conditions and with abandon. You reach out without pride. You are enthusiasm personified. You are fearless. You are a hot air balloon, constantly straining to go, fly, and we anchor you until your time comes, allowing you to float a little off the ground. Oh, how to hold you down while releasing you a little at a time?

From the time you could talk and walk you were a determined seeker, demanding to know and do everything. And in this you will continue to walk. You will seek our God with undying passion. You will throw yourself into serving with determination. You will refuse to become discouraged or tired. You will mount up on wings as an eagle. You will run and not grow weary. Your youth will be continually renewed as you listen, grow, learn, stand, try, succeed, obey, strain, and persevere. May this 13th year bring your heart and mind into complete submission to our Father, seeking only to serve and love as Jesus did when he gave up everything to do his Father's will. We love you so much and are loving the impression of Jesus on you. We thank Him for guiding you and making you a warrior for Him. You will do mighty things in Jesus' name.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11

Happy Birthday dear daughter,

Mama