Nose to Nose with This Girl!

Dear Lucy,

There’s a chill in the autumn air that I barely notice in the warmth of your smile. But there is a mystery behind that smile. Is it mischief? Silliness? Overflowing joy? Your quiet spirit can’t hold the secret for long. I suspect you smile because today is your birthday. That’s a great reason!

You’ve matured so much in the last year. Let’s start with those size 6 (or is it 7?!) shoes! And excuse me – is that your mom’s hoodie you’re wearing?! Now, when you look me in the eye, you’re almost nose to nose with me.

Where did Baby Lucy go – the one whose cry sounded like the cry of a baby kitten? She’s not crying now. She’s singing in the choir. She’s whispering to all of the wayward dogs in her life, and they are listening! Not only are you gentle with the pups, but you’re great with littles, too. You had your first paying babysitting gig this year, and I’m just waiting for you to invite me out for some fro-yo after school one of these days.

You seem to have found your comfort zone on the volleyball court. Girl – that overhand serve! What in the world?! It’s not just your skills that impress me. The way you encourage and support your teammates really warms my heart, too. But it doesn’t surprise me.

You’re tenderhearted and compassionate. Just as your feet are growing into those adult-sized shoes, your personality and emotions are growing up, too. You’re learning to value loyalty and kindness above all else, and you’re a pretty good role model of those same values. You embody 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

It feels like we’ve arrived at this stage of your life way too fast, but I know it’s all been in God’s good timing. I mean - didn’t you just have a birthday last year?! No matter how fast time flies, Papa and I will be here to cheer you on. Happy birthday, Lu!

Always loving you with all of my heart,

Milly