Of Birthdays......

Well, it is my first-born's 29th birthday today.  It sounds so cliche-ish to say that the years have flown, but it really is true.  They have.

What incredible blessing this child has brought me.  What lessons.  Frustrations. Tears.  Laughter. Incredible joy.  I would not trade a minute of it.  Though at times, I think I might have wanted to!  Such is the path of parenthood.

Probably many of  us have thought this: "It's my job as a parent to raise up this child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, teaching and training toward righteousness" (which it is, of course), and then have the realization somewhere along the road, "Whoa. Well, I guess I'm the one who's being raised, taught and trained!"

The Lord has used this precious child to teach me through the years, maturing me in ways I didn't know I needed.  When I was young, it was weeding out the immaturity & selfishiness in me (well, yes, it still happens now, too).   In following years it was honing patience.  And now it is as iron sharpening iron as she has matured in the Lord and become a sister and friend as well as daughter.

Thank You, Lord, for the privilege and blessing of being her mother.  Thank You.

Happy Birthday, Dear Jessie-Girl!  I love you.