Our daughter is 8

She's 8. My baby turned 8. She's smart and beautiful, wonderful and kind and brave.
She's so brave.

I watch her walk over to a little girl, about her size at the park. She smiles and introduces herself. Even without words in common, soon they're laughing and chatting away. Hearts need no translation. And, really, most of what we communicate isn't through the words we use, is it? They laugh some more, push each other on the swings, and when the time arrives they hug and part ways. She says, "I just made a friend Mama!" I smile at her. How grateful I am for her.

She's 8. Some days, I'm overwhelmed with all I have to teach her about this world. The time seems just too short. Other days, I'm amazed with all she already knows. She understands that God made people to be all different shades, that it shows how beautiful He is. She knows that no matter what you wear or have got wrapped around your head it doesn't determine what's in your heart.She's seen that sometimes life is just not fair, and sometimes, really stinks. I see the sadness in her eyes when she sees beautiful babies, who've been left behind by their mamas. She asks if she can give them some of her toys and if she can teach them to grow plants so they don't have to be hungry. It just doesn't seem right, that an 8 year old should teach a 33 year old so much.  

She's 8. The oldest in a line of 5, 3, and 9 months. She's a deeply kind big sister. An oldest child to a T. She organizes story time for her brothers and sister, and facilitates dress up scenarios, and carefully inspects anything that's made it into her crawling brother's mouth. She's the first to get up and help and slow to complain. I love being with her.

She's growing up. And since she's our first that means she's also a giant experiment that I desperately don't want to spoil. I need to grow with her. I need to grow taller in grace and stronger in prayer. To ask Him to cover over my failings and expose my heart and increase my trust. To slow my step and walk with her. Walk with her and enjoy this beautiful time. Tell her how precious she is to Him, how precious she is to us, and how amazing we think she is. You are amazing sweet daughter. Happy birthday Eden.