Happy Birthday, Megan!

Dear Megan Rose,

How is it possible that you are now 4 years old?  It seems like yesterday I was seeing your face for the first time.  (Yes, I know everyone says that, but it's true!  Time really does speed up as you get older!)

I am so blessed to be your Mama.  You have changed me and taught me things about myself in ways that I never expected.  You make me laugh, cry, beam with pride, and crumble with exhaustion - all within a single day!

Although you clearly look up to your brother and watch him for guidance, you've never been one to stay in his shadow.  No, you are your own person and have made those differences known from the beginning.  You are unique!

In many ways, I feel like I am just now getting to know you.  I love seeing and hearing you laugh.  It's a privilege to also be your teacher, watching you learn and grow.  I think it's great that you're not afraid to stand up for yourself with your brother (although the screaming does get to be too much!).

Perhaps what I admire most of all is your "all in" approach to life.  Whether you are happy, sad, or mad, you experience it completely.  I will never forget watching you jump off the diving board so many times this Summer.  A friend described you as "fearless," and she was right.  Oh yes, you will sometimes observe for a while before participating, but then?  GO!  While a certain degree of cautiousness and care is necessary in life, I hope you never lose the ability to throw yourself into something with wholehearted abandon.

There are so many things I want to teach you - about being a woman, a wife, a sister, a friend, a child of God.  But if I had to choose one thing right now, it's this: you don't have to perform to be loved.  Whether you obey or disobey, whether you succeed or fail, whether you're quiet or loud, whether you are academically or musically gifted or not, whether you're a girly-girl or a tom-boy, your Daddy and I love you totally and completely.  Always.  I want you to know that deep down in your soul.  Because then you may begin to comprehend how much God loves you.  Always.  Completely.  Totally.  Not based on your performance.

And another thing I want you to know?  You're beautiful.  God picked out those blue-green eyes, and that brown hair, and that cute nose, and those lips, ears, hands, feet.  He put you together just in the right way to fill a spot in His story that only you can fill.  I pray He will allow me to continue in my front-row seat, watching your plot line develop.

I love you, Megan Rose!

Love,
Mama



This post may be linked up to one or more of the following blog parties.  Check them out! Monday: Menu Plan Monday on I'm an Organizing Junkie Wednesday: Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family Friday: 5 Minute Friday at The Gypsy Mama, Company Girl Coffee at Home Sanctuary, Pieces of Amy Other days: A Wise Woman Builds Her Home