Changes

My Dearest Rebekah,

Oh how things change.  It is just a fact of life.  Some things we must change, like our underwear and socks. Some things we change in response to what we experience, like relationships and faith.  Some changes are small (I changed my mind three times on what to eat for lunch).  Some changes are bigger, like switching jobs or changing majors in college. Some people change because they are unhappy or bored. Some people change because they have a desire to better their lives.  Some have no idea that they are even changing. But change happens. Everyday. 

As you grow older, you will go through many changes.  Your taste in music, hair styles, friends and even your faith will change.  I pray that you will come to understand change. We read in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  What that means is that when we live for Christ, we are changed and the changes that we make are ones that have a purpose behind them.  We want to honor and serve Him in all that we do. 

I have noticed myself changing over the past year or so.  My patience has certainly grown leaps and bounds.  My love for your mother has transformed and is on a level that I never knew possible.  My faith has also gone through many changes as I learn more about God and more about the man I am called to be.  You have changed so much as well. Practically a grown woman! At times I miss the delicate newborn that would let me rock her to sleep.  But, I so enjoy watching you grow.  Seeing more of your personality come out.  Encouraging your inquisitive side as you explore more of the world. Being the dad you need me to be.  My job as a father is not about shielding you from change or about making the changes for you.   My job as a father is to show you how to handle the change. To be an example of someone who has become a new person in Christ. To help you discern the changes that need to take place.  

On a related note, you started daycare at church and mommy started teaching. I would say we are all adjusting rather well.   Lately you have been pushing the independence boundaries, but it is an amazing blessing being the dad of such a beautiful daughter.  Keep growing and changing to be more like Christ. Never forget that you are loved by your father on earth and your Father in Heaven.

-Daddy

The First Year

My dearest Rebekah,

It is hard to believe that you have turned one already.  I wanted to write you a letter on your birthday, but it did not seem real.  The daughter I held in my arms a year ago is nowhere to be found.  The baby I could rock to sleep wants to be on the ground running around.  The quiet bundle of joy now wants to chat up a storm (even if I don’t understand a word you say).  A year ago you were perfectly content with sitting in your swing or bouncer for hours.  Today, the world is one big adventure for you to explore. 

Some things have not change though.  You still bring a smile to the face of anyone who is around. You still teach me more than I expect to learn.  You still help me to love your mother unconditionally.  You still show me that life is about trusting God’s plan.  You still have your Diva moments.  And after God and your mother, you are still the most important thing in my life. 

I would not trade one minute of the past year.  It has been the toughest, most sleepless year of my life.  But it has truly been the greatest.  We are only guaranteed the day we have, and I will continue to do my best to make the most of each day God blesses me with you.  Keep exploring my beautiful baby girl.  Never stop learning.  Always forgive.  And know that you are loved by your Father in heaven and your daddy on earth.

-Daddy