A Letter to My Baby Dolls

Ne, full of beauty and grace, you recently wed on a warm Tuesday at a Southern California courthouse.  You moved out shortly before to start a new chapter with your beloved, our valiant son-in-law.  Mai, you landed in New York a short time ago, a lionheart prepared to begin a new season of influential adventure in the Big Apple.  You both make us so proud.  Now it is simply your sweet Dad and I...beginning our new season, with eyes in wonder.  Together.  So much can unfold in this newness.  So much promise for each of us.  I've teeter-tottered with what I might cultivate: a visually creative business venture, Mediterranean cooking or foreign language classes...I think exploring a little at a time is healthy and good.  Dad has a huge dream.  Big enough that I told him fasting should be in order 😆.

A couple of mornings ago, I drove down our narrow, neighborhood street and watched a man run after a school bus as it drove away.  Apparently, he and his kids arrived at the bus stop a second too late and missed it.  I couldn't help but cry.  I flashed back to those frantic mornings of trying to get our uniformed girls, with their too-big-backpacks, out the front door in time to beat the school bell. And, for a moment, wanted it all back.  I saw this man's stress and frustration and wanted to trade places.  Not really to relieve his burden - although I did feel for him - but because that moment with his kids missing that bus was a gift.  Something to be savored.  It all vanishes so quickly.

Now you, precious daughters, will have a myriad of life experiences out on your own, and prayerfully, will savor the joys of parenthood with all of its intricacy.  You will always be my babies.  Oh, how I love and adore you.  I love and admire your uniqueness.

Ne, your dry wit and humor is the best thing since sliced bread.  You are brilliant.  I literally get weak.  Be strong and courageous and boldly step forward.  Freely create with Him and then create some more.  Sing until the ceilings shatter.  The songs in your heart have a ready target.  And let your marriage shape you virtuously and come alive.  Cultivate joy.  Practice friendship and pizza dough making.  Your kitchen is a sanctuary.  Open your heart and your home.  There's a world waiting to be asked.

Mai, you can move mountains with your strength and tenacity.  You are fearless.  You've conquered giants.  Yet, you are so lighthearted about life.  That combo is an interesting and God-given dynamic.  You are called for such a time as this.  Your artistic voice knows no limits.  The world gets confused and needs your resolve and made up mind.  Keep discerning where your influence should land and then move on when He calls.  Be beautifully meek and integrous.  And be known to the ones God gives you.

Beloveds, when you sit on the mountain peaks, keep gratitude at your side and keep strengthening the inner man.  You'll be better prepared for what's ahead. When you walk through the valleys, keep walking, steady and focused. Let the tears come and let Him take the burdens in exchange for a light and merry heart. Travail when He tells you and do it with others as much as possible.  There's strength in numbers.  And, a trial or test is often about others knowing how to overcome. It's not always about you.  There are times you may think you won't make it, but with Him you will.  Keep going and don't give up.  Don't give up.   Speak truth over yourself.  Out loud, so you can hear it.  I promise you. You'll sparkle brighter and come out shinier.  From the inside out.

I pray you laugh on purpose. Laugh your way to victory. Life is funny and you can always find the good and the comical in a circumstance. Sometimes it takes a bit of practice for us serious folk.  Stay curious about things instead of letting judgment reign. Some things just don't need our opinion and we can better sleep at night without a gavel in our hand.

Sugarbears, everybody on this spinning planet is looking for love, but no relationship or possession will ever be a match for the Lover of our soul.  He is downright captivating.  He will consistently exceed your expectations.  Learn and study to see Him rightly to become (and stay) free and whole.  Intentionally carve out space and time.  Draw near.  His gentle embraces dissolve fear.  When we give our heart to another first, our heart gradually becomes anemic and we naturally self-destruct.  I pray that the volume level of His love for you is ever increasing, so that when offense comes knocking, you won't even hear it.  He knows you.  He loves you.  He leads you to victory.  And He'd do anything to have and keep relationship with you.

Your papa bear and I will always be here (wherever that is, haha). I love being your mother and dreaming with you.  We will continue to intercede for your blessed heart.  And now we continue trusting the Promise Keeper and thanking Him for His provision and abundance in your life.  Live it to the fullest.

I love you far more than your heart can imagine.  See you later, baby dolls.

Mama