It doesn't seem possible. I should still be holding her in my arms as she falls asleep. I should still be drinking "tea" from a princess cup while my little princess is busy scurrying around her kingdom and inviting other various stuffed animals to join me in tea time. Today feels like we should be celebrating the fact that she is starting kindergarten or maybe explaining to her that she will soon have a baby sister to play with.
The reality today though is my little princess is now my beautiful sixteen year old princess. That stings a little. I always heard that time flies when you have kids but I never knew how fast it would fly by.
The stinging, however, is quickly replaced with a feeling of immense joy. My heart overflows with love for her. She, in my opinion, is the definition of a young lady after God's heart. Mel and I could not be more proud of the young woman that she is today. She has set an example for and made an impact on so many lives already in her short life. I can't imagine how many more lives she will impact in the years to come.
There are countless "favorite times" that I could talk about. I could write a book and have sequels to it. One of my most favorite times to see her though has to be when it's her and her heavenly father together. I have often looked over during certain worship songs at church and I've seen it. Although the room has hundreds of people in it, as far as she is concerned, it's her and God. Hands lifted high worshiping her creator. It's a feeling for a dad and a mom that you can't put into words. All I can say is we are blessed. We don't deserve to be her parents but God has blessed us and picked us to take care of her on this earth. To think that God actually cares about all of us as much as and more than we care about and love our daughter is almost too difficult to fathom. But it's true.
We are so proud of you. Keep seeking, keep loving, keep being you. You are truly one of a kind. You live out this verse:
Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. -1 Timothy 4:12
Happy Birthday Maylee, we love you!
