Today is Miss Madeline's ninth birthday. Beepa goofed when he wrote in her card, believing it was her tenth, but maybe she'll give me back the card so I can use it again next year. Life consists in ordinary, everyday events; the humdrum of getting up, getting showered and dressed, having breakfast and going to school or work, etc. Except for the details, one day is much like another until a momentous event or special anniversary comes along. The momentous event was her birth; the special anniversary are the days we remember and celebrate. Linda and I had the honor of joining her and her family for her birthday dinner tonight.
In my mind's eye, I see a photo of her and me together wearing our do-rags and eye patches like pirate twins. She was perhaps two, with one eye that didn't track quite right. It has been a challenge for her, but the smile on her face back then is the same as I saw tonight; bright, cheerful, winsome. With her dark eyes reflecting her dark hair, that smile lights up her face...and my heart.
It almost goes without saying that each of our grandchildren brings her or his own gift into our world. Without question, Madeline's gift is her tender heart, an inheritance from both her mother and father. She is generous and kind, loves the Lord Jesus, and works hard to be the best she can be. It's not unusual to hear her singing as she goes about whatever task she tackles. If she were to enter a beauty contest, I have no doubt she would win "Miss Congeniality." Even at her young age, she knows her own mind. Last year at Halloween when other little girls were dressing up as princesses and the latest Disney character, Madeline chose to be Mary, the mother of Jesus. Needless to say, we are proud of her, and grateful to be able to be involved in such depth in her life, as we pray for her to continue to love and serve Christ throughout the years.
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