A belated birthday post, for a daughter who is a gift from God

I am blessed.

Simply yet profoundly blessed.

I have two daughters.

Both gifts from God.

One through birth.

One through marriage to my son.

Today, I want to write this birthday post (although belated) 

to the daughter who is a gift from God

through marriage to my boy

Happy Birthday to my daughter Leah!!

your day was on Monday, but today, I celebrate YOU

Leah.

How my heart overflows with praise, and thankfulness for you.

As we have just celebrated your birthday again this year

I look back and see the many years you have been in my life…

first as my son's girlfriend

then his fiancé

and now his wife

You are my daughter

And I thank God for you.

I watch how you live your life

with intentionality

with determination

with great love 

with grace

I have watched you, but I have also learned from you

about loving God

about loving your husband

about loving your children

no matter how hard, or how easy

no matter how complicated or simple

no matter whether the day was grey or sunny

You my daughter, have loved well, and continue to do so

I have watched you and learned about living simply

you don't seem to want much

you seem content

you are happy with the simple yet beautiful and eloquent in its simplicity

I love that, and have learned from you

I have watched how you love-on your siblings (on both sides)

I have watched how you love-on your friends (of whom there are many)

I have watched how you carefully decide where your energies will be used

within those relationships, within the relationships at church as well

You seem to know how to guard your time, so that it is used for God's best intent for you

You listen

You learn

You research

You make decisions

HOWEVER you have also taught me that sometimes a decision made

has to be changed for a better decision

I see how you parent your boys. 

with grace and mercy

and with unconditional love

Hard work sometimes, but you are thankful for the energy and strength and grace God gives you

You my dear daughter, have taught this Mom a lot

I have spent many hours with you talking

laughing

crying

in silence

in togetherness

just you and I

but often you and all of us

I love going on outings with the kids

as well as spending times after a good meal together, just talking

(after the kids are in bed)

You have taught me a lot, as I said

and I know I will learn more from you.

I see your strengths and your weaknesses

I also see how you know them as well - 

And you are not a quitter

I love that.  

That in itself, has taught me a lot about persevering under tough times

and how it is so worth it.

I love your laughter - your sense of humour

I love watching you and Ashley together - as sisters

I remember that in those early days, it was so important that Ashley also connected with you

As she only wanted the best for her brother.

And you are the best.

Together you make an amazing whole.

Together you compliment one another

However first, you are individually strong, gifted and multi talented

Amazing how God uses you individually and together.

So my sweet daughter

better late than never - today I say
~ Happy Birthday Leah ~ 

You are loved greatly - more today than all those years ago

However our love will only keep growing.

It is my prayer for you, that this year brings many many blessings,

Many new and exciting things

Many "aha" moments

as you live life fully for God, with Josh, and with that gang of boys you have.

(who we love so much I might add!)

Happy Birthday dear One 

You are greatly loved 

and greatly cherished Leah!
I look forward to this year ahead
and all the others too!

love, 

Mom K