marking time with celebration: Beatrice is 7

Beatrice turned 7 on Friday.

She cried the night before, as she usually does. This girl feels deeply and is uniquely aware of how precious and fleeting childhood is. Of course I want to cry, too, but someone has to pull her out of her melancholy and so I remember for both of us: Every new morning, every new year in God is a blessing. Being alive and serving Him is a gift! We can be thankful for what He’s done, and let that shape our expectation for what’s to come. Ephesians says that before we were even born, He had good works planned for us. And so she finally slept, that sweet girl of mine.

And no more tears upon waking! She eagerly dressed and as soon as we could, she and I slipped away for a special breakfast outing and errands. I had asked her the night before (during our pep talk) to share with me three things she loved about being six and one thing she’s looking forward to. And so without any prompting, she rattled them off as we ate: working on the renovation with Daddy, watching Enid be born, and being part of the ski program at CFA. And she’s looking forward to 2nd grade.

A simple day of hanging out with siblings (inside, due to rain), and even a movie in the middle of the day! Big treat. Finally a couple of friends arrived and they played something silly and fun with teepee and play food. Tacos for dinner with Nana and Papa, too. Brownie with ice cream and whipped cream and sprinkles made her day.

We shared some of what we love about our Beatrice as we sat around the music room. She’s so easy to appreciate — the list is long, from dimples and freckles to quick forgiveness and tenderheartedness.

And then just like that the day was over and she was officially launched into her next year of living.

*****

Stopping to celebrate, even simply, helps us to communicate and cultivate value. We are not happenstances. There is a beautiful design in us, and worth we can’t quite imagine. (The cross tells us so.)

And as my children grow older, I become more thankful for these simple days when I can make a special effort to prepare their requested dinner, find a gift I think they’ll love, and look in their eyes and echo the words of their Creator: You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are loved with an everlasting love.

3 Comments marking time with celebration: Beatrice is 7

  1. Meme

    What a beautiful tribute to such a sweet sweet girl. She’ll treasure this post for many many years to come. Happy 7 th , sweetness. Love from us xoxox

    Reply

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