To my cheerleaders, my rocks, my role models, my examples, and my two best friends (AKA to Linda and John on this joyful birthday celebration):
If I could be with you today, I know we’d probably go on a walk in Ute Valley, work in the garden a bit, go out to dinner somewhere (and even if it was Arby’s, I’d still love it because I’d be able to spend time with you), and I’d be able to give you your cards back at home while we were sitting around drinking tea and laughing together. Hopefully those cards got (or will soon get) to you; we all know how flaky the international postal service can be. You were right when you said months 5 and 6 may turn out to be the worst months as far as homesickness goes, and knowing that I can’t be there for your birthdays is really hard for me this year. I’m sorry for the years when I treated your birthdays, and even things like gardening and dinner at Arby’s (and in turn, treated you) so insignificantly; I dished out a lot of crud to you as I’ve gotten older, and I wish I could go back and hold my tongue and trust you instead of doubt you and realize just how much God gave me when He graciously allowed me to be added to the family.
Mom and Dad, there are so many things I want to thank you for. Some of them are small, like cutting my grapefruit so many times and getting me popsicles and 7-up when I was sick (even when I was 20 years old), and some of them are huge, like teaching me to know Jesus as opposed to teaching me to know religion, and showing me what true love and union with the Father looks like. Thank you for loving me so unconditionally, even when I was horrid to you and thought I knew so much better than you did. Thank you for always opening your arms to me, even after times of division amongst us, and being a living, breathing example of the love that Jesus has for us, even when we stray. Thank you for dreaming big dreams with me and always encouraging me however you could, whether it was cheering at my graduation or selflessly sending me out into the world to serve Jesus for 11 months. Thank you for raising me to value education, good books, strong Biblical grounding, family, community, and cheese. Thank you for saying hard things to me when I needed to hear them (please don’t stop; even when I don’t listen right away, your words still mean more to me than you know). Thank you for creating a home over which the Banner of Love flies, and for creating a home in which people are valued over their utility, emotions can be safely shared, and laughter flows freely.
Mom, I miss the goofy faces you make at me and the way you would always look at me when I hadn’t taken my vitamins that day (I’ve taken them about 80% of the Race so far, which I know would make you proud). I miss sitting on the couch with you and laughing with you about silly things like “Justin Beiber selling boots” and my llama face. I miss you always singing worship songs, and filling the house with the adoration that Christ deserves (and I’m sorry I would always complain about it). I miss going on walks with you and knowing that no time is the wrong time to speak what’s on my heart with you. I miss coming down in the mornings and seeing you having your quiet time, and knowing that you, one of God’s faithful saints, were interceeding on the behalf of my sisters and me. I miss climbing onto your bed as you were reading and pretending to fall asleep (and most of the time, accidentally falling asleep). I wish I could be with you today. I can’t imagine how it would feel to have three daughters suddenly scatter throughout the country and nation, but I do know that God’s strength shines through you so clearly. You have been through so many things that have cut your heart so deeply, and you consistantly turn back to Jesus to remind you of your identity and to calm your aching heart. Your hope is unshakeable, because Jesus is unshakeable. Your friendship is sweet, because Jesus is sweet. You have, and always will be, one of my best friends and closest confidants, and I don’t know how I would have made it this far and become the woman God is making me into without your partnership and love. I love you more than you could ever know. Happy Birthday, Momma.
Dad, I miss seeing your face light up at the end of a long work day when you walk through the back door and see your loving wife and adoring daughter(s). I miss going to Einstein’s with you and ordering blueberry bagels with blueberry cream cheese. I miss watching NUMB3RS and Frasier with you when neither of us could fall asleep. I miss your wisdom and guidance, and I miss being able to watch you continue to grow into such a faithful husband and leader. I miss walking up to go to bed and seeing you in the prayer room, and knowing that you, one of God’s faithful saints, were interceeding on the behalf of my sisters and me. I wish I could be with you today. I have stood in awe of the word that God has done in your life these last 10 years, and how he has taken you from being a fan to a follower. I want to marry a man who loves like you do, and who not only prioritizes his family, but who truly puts the Lord first in everything. I was reading the other day and one specific quote stuck out to me and reminded me of you: “The idea isn’t that Jesus comes first place in this race for your affection and devotion. What Jesus wants is more accurately understood by picturing a race for first place in your life where Jesus is the only one on the track. He isn’t saying ‘I want to be first place in your life.’ He’s saying ‘I don’t even want there to be a second place.’ Jesus makes it clear; He wants to be your one and only.” Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be so devoted to the Lord that your affections are not shared with another. I love you to bitsies. Happy Brithday, Daddy.
Mom and Dad, be celebrated today in word, deed, and prayer. Eat some good food, laugh a lot, dance in the kitchen, and go to bed early (or stay up and watch one of your favorite movies). I thank the Lord for you every day, and can’t wait till I get to see you again.
