EUNICE'S 13TH BIRTHDAY

“Behold, children are a  gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed …. “ Psalm 127:3-5

Letter to my precious 13-year-old daughter, Eunice

My sweet Eunice, the thought of you becoming a "teenager" exhilarates and appalls me both in equal portions.

There is a part of me that is thrilled that you are becoming a young lady (teenager) since I can observe the fine and godly young lady you are becoming. My heart is filled with so much joy and pride. My sweet girl, you bring and have brought so much gentleness, adventure, joy, laughter and grace into our lives. You bring gentleness to my mothering. I count myself blessed. I love the way you show your love for me, your mama, your siblings, your daddy and others.  You portray it in ways I could never have imagined when I was your age. When you,my sweet darling, tell me that you want to be just like me when you are grown up, I then realize that mothering has its blessings. I love the way you show your love and care for others. Your big heart! You make my life fuller. You are indeed full of grace and gentleness and I want you to remain that way all of your life. My sweet little girl, you will always be my baby girl. Stay beautiful in heart and soul just the way you are. Never change!

I am so glad you are my daughter and my sister in Christ.  Our relationship reminds me so much of the one I had with my own mother, simply beautiful.  My mother touched  me and left footprints in my heart and soul with a love for God.  My hope and prayer to God is that I might leave the same imprints on your heart.  Your abuela's works follow her and  through me they live in you for generations to come.   We have so much to share and rejoice about since we share in the same faith and hope of salvation. My sweet Eunice, my prayer is that Christ clothes your heart in a garment of grace. Remember this is the only garment that will make you into His image, simply beautiful in His eyes.

May our Lord always nourish and satisfy that hunger you have for righteousness. May you crave more of Christ. May you always be in fellowship with Him and He in you. May He give you of His abundance and make you live a richer and fuller life of faith. May He use you to mend the brokenness of those who are ill because of sin. May your example be their inspiration to walk in the Light. May you show grace freely the same way our Lord has shown to you and all of us. I have no doubt in my heart you will be a worthy servant of His, laboring in His Vineyard.

My sweet baby Eunice, you are incredibly loved and valued. Don't ever forget that. I thank the Lord for these beautiful 13 years He has given me as your mama. You are my most beautiful and precious gift sent from heaven after my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Happy 13th Birthday my sweet and precious Eunice!

With all my heart and soul,

Your mama