Oh my goodness. The older my kids get the harder it is for me on their birthdays. Sifting through literally thousands of pictures filled with all the joy and goodness they have brought me added upon by the year…it makes me emotional!
So I’m feeling a little tender thinking about my Grace today on her birthday. Boy oh boy, did we ever get lucky when she joined in the mix. I’m going to mix it up and do that dealio with the letters of her name this year. Kind of a little rendition of what I would write on her fingertips if I was lucky enough to be with her today.
G – GRATEFUL & Full of Grace
I had to do two for “g.” Because this girl is so good at noticing the good and being so grateful for it. She shows it in action and in words, the most beautiful and artistic handwriting filling up notecards. Filled with what she loves and what she’s thankful for. She is grateful for everything from the gorgeousness of this earth God has given us to the things she has learned from the tough parts of life. Practicing gratitude has this way of making someone glow, and it’s so evident in Grace.
Grace is also, fittingly, full of Grace. She knows how to give the benefit of the doubt. She lets things/people that have wronged her roll off her back.
R – Radiant
Grace is radiant. She just shines. She radiates kindness. And goodness. And happiness.
She has the kind of radiance that comes when you know…like really know…you are a beloved daughter of God.
A – Abiding
I love this word. And it’s so fitting for Grace. You can count on her. She is deeply committed. To family and to friends, and to God. She has abiding love and reaches out to those who may need her and encircles them in love. She is steadfast in faith and has an abiding relationship with Jesus. It shows in everything she does.
We should probably add “Aunt” on this one too, because I think she is one of Murphy’s favorites.
On a side-note, how cute is that birthday stuff Abby put up with Murph’s help today.
C – Charisma & Conversation
Oh boy does this girl ever have charisma! From the time she was little, her big personality is a magnet. She is the most fun to watch in old family videos of the kids growing up. She’s always “in charge” and coming right up to the camera with something clever to say.
Looks like younger me could have used some of that charisma!
Grace is also an incredible conversationalist. She doesn’t shy away from tricky conversations and always has the best points to bring up.
E – Enthusiasm
Grace just makes life fun. From how she answers the phone with an enthusiastic “hey giiiirrrl!” to her excitement to travel and learn and connect, she just exudes happiness.
Oh I could go on forever, but just had to share some of my favorite things about my birthday girl today.
Happy happy birthday my dear Grace, love you forever!
I hope grace had a wonderful day!!!