Happy 9th Birthday, Gracie!!
My little girl is sleeping soundly in her bed as I type. I tucked her in and kissed her goodnight, and as I did these things, I was aware that these were the last moments I would spend with her as an 8-year-old. Tomorrow, she will be 9. My heart is celebrating this blessing that is ours, but I also feel the sadness that comes with every passing year and my inability to adjust to the speed with which the years go by. I want time to give me a break and let me linger in this most beautiful of life stages for a while longer. I want my babies to stay little. I want them to keep little hands and little smiles and bodies that fit in my arms when I hold them. And yet, I want them to grow. I want them to discover who they are and follow their dreams. I want them to fulfill the plan that is laid out before them by God, because I know that plan is so good. I want to teach them and encourage them, support and love them every step of the way. My sweet Grace, Words cannot expr...