It is so hard to believe that in just a few weeks you will
be turning one. I remember having a
conversation with your mom when you were first born about how I did not want to
think past your first birthday because I wanted to cherish every moment. I did not want to think about the terrible
two’s, the first day of school, driving lessons, and I definitely did not want
to think of walking you down the aisle. All
of those things would come in due time.
I wanted to enjoy my time with you as a baby. Soak up every memory made. Every new thing. Every
dirty diaper. Every step along the journey.
And for the most part, I have kept my
thoughts of the grown up you to a minimum.
I have adored every day with you.
As your birthday approaches, I ponder the past year. How much you have grown. How much I have grown. How much my dependence on God has grown. How much my love for your mother has
grown. I would like to think that the
man I was a year ago would be proud of the man I am today. I have done my very
best to be the father God has called me to be.
It hasn’t always been easy and I have failed on numerous occasions. But the important thing for us to learn is
that life is about taking steps. Having
the courage to learn and grow from our experiences. Having the confidence to
trust that God will guide us. Knowing
that some steps are harder than others.
Some steps are downright terrifying because we don’t always know what
the future holds. Luckily, we know who
holds our future.
You have been taking many more steps lately. Getting more courageous
with walking. Repeating some sign
language. You and I went swimming for
the first time yesterday. You are on
course to be walking really well by your birthday. And you are growing more and more beautiful
every day. I am so blessed to have you
as my daughter. Always know that you are
loved by your Father in heaven and your father on earth. Never stop taking steps toward becoming a
woman of God.
-Daddy
