18

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16 NIV

18... A Dozen and a half… a dozen with an extra 6 to give you what is expected plus a little bit more - that extra few that completely fills you yet keeps you coming back for more.

18... My shoe size plus 5... and also Sarah Grace’s age today.

18... No longer a ‘tweener or young teen but now a full fledged, licensed to drive, about to be off to college, independent young woman.

It’s hard to believe that SG is 18.

Just seems like yesterday when she was born.

Just yesterday that she had a scary little health scare that brought her back to the hospital a week after she was born.

Just yesterday when she was half crawling half walking in the boxes and packing paper from our move back to Tallahassee.

Just yesterday when she was learning to read, to ride a bike, to make her bed, to fight with her sisters, to shoot an arrow, to shoot a basketball, to run, jump, skip and shout... to play guitar.

Just yesterday when I was holding her in my arms, rocking her and singing her some crazy made up lullaby.

Now at 18, she has grown up to be a beautiful, funny, smart, talented, engaging, athletic, sweet-hearted young lady.

Now at 18, she is an independent young woman. At ease in a group or by herself. She is detail oriented and focused. Seeing the little things that most of us miss. She is strong willed, yet laid back. High maintenance, yet low maintenance at the same time. She knows what she wants, yet goes with the flow. Strong yet weak. Weak yet strong

At 18, she is a follower of Jesus, growing in her faith, growing in her understanding.

At 18, in her own way, she is striving to be a light in her school and with her friends. Striving to shine for Jesus.

At 18, in her own way, she is living out Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Most every morning I have prayed this prayer (or one similar) as she begins to wake up and start her day… may it be a prayer for all of us as well. “Dear Lord, be with Sarah Grace (and each of us). Help her get up and get moving and have a great day today. Be with her in school and help her learn and grow and be who it is you have made her to be. Help her shine for you. Help her know You more and more each day. Help her hunger after You. Lead her Lord, and guide her and protect her. Bless her Lord, and help her be a blessing to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen”

Happy Birthday SG. May this one be the best one yet. Have a Great Day and an even greater year!

Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem