I wrote a letter to your sister on her 10th birthday, a letter that spilled thoughts from my heart- hopes for her future, words of truth to guide her way, and prayers from the depths of my soul.
You may be the middle girl, sweet one, but you are not overlooked.
So here's your aunt- albeit in slight disbelief- that I'm already here writing your 10th birthday letter, too.
You are beautifully one-of-a-kind.
You're not your sisters, nor do you ever have to be. Truly, there is no one else like you- and that is a glorious truth. You're not the bold one, not the little diva either. I see it in your eyes, hear it in your heartbeat- you have so many voices telling you who you need to be, but please believe me-
There could never be a more beautiful you.
God made no mistakes when He created you. He gave you your cautious soul, your servant's heart, your drive to always make others happy. He shaped and formed every inch of you, body and soul, with such intentional detail.
I pray that no one ever distracts you from pursuing all God has created you to be.
We went birthday shopping together this week, and as I stood in the dressing room hallway while you tried on summer dresses, my heart wanted to freeze this moment in time. You're so innocent, so lovely, so pure, spinning around to test the twirl factor and trying to find colors that bring out your complexion. My heart ached to shield you from all the harm and evil, all the ugliness and darkness in the world. From people's words and the lies of the enemy, from peer pressures and the world telling you what it wants you to do.
Never lose your innocence, lovely one.
You color your world in soft pastels, dancing on tippy toes and with a smile that lights up the room. The past year, I've watched you bloom in such a tender and lovely way. It's like your heart is finally spreading its wings, finally shining your own sunshine in between the large personalities of your sisters.
Keep shining, precious one.
On the way home from birthday shopping, I saw you in the backseat fervently reading your new Bible. You didn't even stir when I held my phone to take a picture, a small attempt to capture this moment. You wouldn't put it down, despite the fact you were growing carsick, and when I took it to put on Bible tabs, you told me you'd wait right there in the car until I finished.
May you always seek after Him with such passion, such fervor, such dedication to let truth wash over your soul.
You didn't notice, but your little sister saw you. She picked up her new Bible, too, and tried to follow along like you. And this, this is what I pray draws people to be around you- your love for God, your heart to do what's right.
You have influence.
Don't be a follower of people, sweet girl, because others are watching. Follow after God with all your heart, all your strength. Stir up that quiet determination in your heart to stand your ground in what is true. May you always walk in truth, always walk in the light. May you always shine the love of Messiah in all that you do, all that you say.
Admit your mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and go forward in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So this is my prayer- that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment. That you would approve the things that are excellent, that you would be sincere and without offense until the day of Messiah. That you would be filled with the fruits of righteousness, found in Messiah, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:9-11)
Beautiful girl, as you take on this world in your own beautiful way, know this:
I'm always here for you.
Always have a listening ear for you. Always praying for you. Always here to answer your texts and calls.
Always loving you.
So, my beautiful birthday girl- you keep coloring your world in all your glorious ways, in ways that shout praises to God for the way He created beautiful you.
I love you,
Sho
xoxo
