shine

A story I've been meaning to post:

The other day we were driving home around sunset. From the back seat Emma started shouting excitedly, "Mommy! Mommy! What is that shiny thing over there?! Behind the trees! It's so beautiful and giant!" I looked out the window and there was the most gorgeous sunset I had seen in quite sometime. "Well, baby, that's a sunset. Isn't it beautiful?" I replied. " When I didn't get a response, I checked the rear-view to see a very sad looking little girl. "Why are you sad?" I asked. "I thought it was Jesus coming to get us." she said, obviously disappointed.

Oh to be so expectant of His return!

Emma Bear

I remember the day I found out you were with us. It was a shock, really, your Daddy and I had only been married for 8 months. I was still in college. He didn't have a job yet... and you weren't supposed to be even a twinkle in our eyes for a few more years. I should have been interviewing for a job, paying off student loans {& getting health insurance!}... all those things you're supposed to do before having a baby.

But God had other plans for us.

He used you to teach us to trust Him. He used you to show us His provision. He used you to teach me selflessness... to set aside my own ambition for His glory. He brought us dear friends we wouldn't have known and a church that is truly our 2nd home. Through you, God showed us that His plan is so very much better than our own.

Did you know, that before you were born, I didn't much like babies? But that first minute, when the nurse handed you to me, all warm and rosy cheeked, I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of you - and I still can't.

Is it possible that you are 4 already? That seems ever so grown up! All these past years, I've never been sad at your birthday because you still seemed little. This year you've started school without even needing to look back & say good bye. You can write, and even read a bit. You are such a sweet and sensitive big sister. You are kind and compassionate, inquisitive and already outsmarting your momma. Best of all, you have a servant's heart, and you love Jesus!

Baby girl, we love you so much. Everyday, I thank God for giving us you... I couldn't imagine our life with out you - Happy Birthday, my Emma Joy.