Birthday No.002

The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies.

Laura Ingalls wilder

What was good about your year | The best part of your year was being able to stay home, for an extended time, because of COVID. We were home much of the year, spending quality time together: you love listening to me read books to you, water coloring, drawing in your spiral notebook, swinging in your birthday swing (that we made for you), and singing silly songs with Mama. You are such a sweet child, and I will forever be grateful for the precious hours.

What was hard or challenging for you this year | The most challenging thing that you endured this year was still dealing with COVID. We thought that it would be “behind us,” but the extension of the virus kept everyone at home. It limited how much “extra” we could do in our community. Our church often met at home (online), there were limited outings, and even time with our extended family was limited.

How I saw you grow this year | You changed from a baby to a toddler this year – you changed physically, right before my very eyes. The more you walked and ran, the more your baby rolls began to disappear. You began to prefer to do things yourself and accepted new and growing responsibilities within our family. You delight in placing forks & napkins on the table at dinner and helping Mama empty the utensils from the dishwasher and throw laundry in the washing machine.

Disappointments will happen; they are inevitable. The more important topic is: what will you do with your disappointments? Will you bury them or address them? Will you stuff them or expose them? Will you deny them or grieve them? Will you grow bitter or forgive?  

i love you a million and one | mama

Words of Wisdom | I don’t know how to lead into this truth – other than to say it outright. People will disappoint you! There have been some hurtful things that transpired within our extended family this year. It’s natural to want to “stuff” pain, dismiss hurts, stand your ground, cover up wrongs, get angry, etc. The older I get, the more I realize that this is not helpful or loving. Disappointments will happen; they are inevitable. The more important topic is: what will you do with your disappointments? Will you bury them or address them? Will you stuff them or expose them? Will you deny them or grieve them? Will you grow bitter or forgive? Lydia, let your disappointments go, strive only to please Jesus, go to God’s word for wisdom, and don’t worry about those who don’t understand your choices.

If I could offer you a few pieces of wisdom, you would find them in these verses:

Proverbs 3:5-8, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." 

Proverbs 29:25, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."

Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 62:8, “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge.”