On the cusp.
In every imaginable way.
Ready to stretch those wings but inherently nervous.
Pushing the boundaries though you know inside what’s right and what’s wrong.
Walking the line between choice and consequence.
Wrestling with yourself, with us and with what the world has imposed.
Your life, our wee soul, is a delicate balance at the minute. The world seems to be opening up to you; you are starting to soak in the things which happen beyond the perimeters of our home. And you seem fearless and enthusiastic. But also cautious. Nervous.
The world seems to be one step ahead. Everyone has the next ‘thing’…something that makes life so much better. And in some ways you feel we’re holding you back.
But there’s plenty of time.
Plenty of time to see the world in all her glory.
Plenty of time to draw those designs without getting them critiqued.
Plenty of time to play with those dolls.
Plenty of time to savour the things that come with being a child.
Let us protect you for a while yet. Because many of those things are not what they seem. They hold the allure but just wait. In good time you’ll enjoy them…when you’re ready to see them for what they are. For you, our Abi, are an eldest child. And with that comes an innocence. A beauty of the world that is untarnished and open…you soak things in with an earnestness and purity that comes with being a child.
So enjoy it wee one.
Because in a flash it will be gone.
Those childhood years that you have savoured and enjoyed.
The innocence.
And in some ways I want you to stay…to linger in the littleness. To cuddle up on my lap and ask me to sing one more song.
But I know that’s not the way of the world. You have to stretch those wings. And as you do I know you will blossom into this amazing woman. One of strength and character. Of fierceness and wit. You have justice in your bones and a desire to seek what is right.
May that always go before you.
May you always have truth as your breastplate.
May you always stand up for the injustices of the weak.
May you always seek to show love and to point others to truth.
Because our prayer for you, our wee Abi, is not to stay little, though my mama heart yearns for this in more ways than you’d imagine. But to grow. To flourish and to become who you were intended to be.
And may we be your greatest encouragers…the ones to fan the flames when no one else is there. To beat the drum and point you in the direction of hope.
Because there is no better path.
We love you, our precious number one…you who stormed into our selfish lives and taught us about love, about grace, about forgiveness and hope. May you be all these things to all who you meet and may you face the world with all her charms head on. May you look her in the eye and may you see clearly.
Know that despite all our failings and attempts at loving you well we will always fall short. But there is one in whom you can trust to carry you through. In whom there is abundance upon abundance. Love, grace, mercy, faithfulness. And in whom you will find perfect peace.
We’ll be there, watching in the wings.
Love you.
xx
