Time...

Yesterday I overheard my daughter talking with her friend on my cell phone. I have no idea what all they were discussing...it is usually a fast paced conversation!

One line, though, I got. "In 9 years, I'll be 20. That's a looonnnggg time away."

Oh no, sweet child, it's not.

Surely it was just yesterday that I wondered if you would ever grow hair on your bald little head. Then you did and it stuck straight up in the crown. And you were beautiful.

It wasn't so long ago that you learned to talk (and haven't stopped much since)! And it was--and still is--a beautiful sound.

Just a bit ago, it seems, you giggled with excitement because you could read Dr. Seuss all by yourself. Now, you are discovering the joys of Middle Earth.

I checked on you this morning. You were sound asleep, wrapped in your blanket and cuddled with Puppy, your constant companion since you were a year old. I think you grew taller last night.

Nine years until you are 20? That simply can't be. I'm tempted to give in to my usual thought processes and wonder if you will be prepared for the world in which you will live, if you will be happy, if, if, what if, etc.

I honestly don't know if you will be well prepared. I don't know if you will be happy. And, you know what sweet child, it doesn't matter so much.

My desire for you, in and of myself, is that you will be happy and have a fulfilling life (and enough money to take care of us in our "golden" years).

But, the truest desire that I have you is that you always, always, always know whose you are. I hope that your life is defined by that. I hope that your trust is firmly planted in Christ. I hope that He will continually draw you to Himself and that you strive to be a godly woman. I hope that He sharpens you, refines you.

As I watched you sleep, I breathed the prayer that I have prayed through your life: "Father, draw her heart to You."

And, honestly, I added...please let the next nine years pass slowly!