18 Oct A Letter to My Second Daughter on her 11th Birthday

My Dear Chesed Joy,

Today you are eleven! And what a way to begin the celebration of your birth than your baptism yesterday, which is the celebration of your new birth in Jesus. I am grateful for your public profession of faith which strengthens my own and spurs me on to keep pursuing the Lord daily.

My prayer for you this year is that you will be like the person spoken of in Psalm 1:2-3 – that your delight would be in the law of the Lord, and on his law you would meditate day and night. My daughter, may you be like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that you do, may you prosper.

Every year, as I pray for you and watch you grow, I observe the Lord’s work in your life. I want to share with you today just some of the evidences of His grace I see at work in you.

Chesed, as you know, your name means steadfast love and covenant kindness and you simply exude your name. The kindness which you show to everyone you meet is inspiring. You exercise inclusion in your friendships and seek out those who are alone, taking advantage of every opportunity to “make a new friend”.

You are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and are quick to apologize when you hurt others in any way. You are quick to forgive and embrace those who hurt you. In this way, you model the love of God which “keeps no record of wrongs.”

Chesed, you have always been a grateful and thankful child. What a joy it is to be your mother and to hear your appreciation for every gift you receive – often for that which others would easily overlook. Whether a blessing is large or small in the world’s eyes, very little misses your attention and gratitude.

I am grateful for your lavish display of affection towards every member of our family. Your hugs are out of this world, my dear! It doesn’t matter whether I am washing dishes, sitting at the computer, or walking down the street and there you are with arms open, ready to embrace me with a “I love you, Mommy!” and a warm smile.

Your words bring life, encouragement and healing to others and you often speak truth to those you love when we need it the most. My exhortation to you this year comes from 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” You are never too young to be used by God and indeed, He is already using you in mighty ways.

Your heart is carefree, my daughter, and you are confident in God’s love for you. May you ever live to love Him and delight in His love for you, treasuring His friendship over all the treasures of this world.

Your joy is contagious – keep spreading it!

Love always,

Mommy