Ellie - Bringing More to the World!
Dear Ellie,
How do I describe this past year of your life? As I’ve given thought to that, I keep landing on the word “more.” While the person you are, the people you love, and the things you enjoy haven’t changed much, you’re just overall growing into more of who God created you to be. You love your people more intensely and thoughtfully. You’ve invested more of yourself in improving and expanding all of your talents and skills.
Birthday girl, I’m excited to celebrate Year #9 (and more!) with you!
You’re happiest when surrounded by people - after all, your big smile and chatty personality draw them to you like bees to the honeycomb. Or are you happiest during alone time, immersed in a good book? Hard to say. You’re a wealth of words. Until you’re not, and you become the one-word answer girl. You’re funny and smart and kind. You’re also learning to navigate hard emotions and to ask for help when life gets tough. You’re all and both and neither – depending on the day and time. And that’s okay. You’re figuring out who you are, and you’re learning and growing into all God made you to be.
Social circles include your big sister and little brother, your cousins, and your friends. You’re loyal and thoughtful, always thinking of ways to show your care for the people you love. You write great notes and know how to make your peeps laugh with your funny faces and silly voices. But you also know how to be kind and sensitive and comforting when those same peeps are having a hard day.
As far as filling your days goes, cheer is back on your schedule this fall. You’ve got another season of softball under your belt, and you’re always up for the next Girl Scout activity. You play a mean game of crazy eights, but reading is still your first love – for now. There’s a new kid on the block, and it’s called theater. I don’t think I’ve seen you this excited about something in a while! So…let’s see where this theater thing takes you. 😊
You do love a good day in the water – at the beach, on the lake or in the pool. But you and I are two peas in a pod when it comes to winter weather. We both say, “Bring it on!” We live for the days of jeans, hoodies, and fluffy house shoes. We love a cozy blanket and a good reading spot near the fireplace. You and I have winter souls.
And nothing warms my winter soul more than to open a text from you and find a Bible verse you’ve been wanting to share with me. I pray that your love for Scripture grows. In fact, I’m closing out this letter with a prayer based on Colossians 1:9-10. “…Since before I even knew you, I haven’t stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And I pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God…”
Happy, happy birthday, Ellie – and many, many more!
Always loving you with all of my heart,
Milly
