Dear Daniella,
As I was cleaning our little apartment today and holding you... I took a moment to look down at you. I had had a rough day and was trying hard to process and work through some things, and as I looked down at you, you looked up at me and gave me one of your smiles that lights up your entire face. I immediately broke down crying...
Little miss, you have given me one of the hardest, most wonderful, tasks. You have made me a mama. And today, the reality of that sunk in...and it hit hard.
Darling girl, as much as I'd like to keep you from ever getting hurt, from ever feeling pain...that is outside my ability. Life is scary. It's tough. But the trade-off of life is so very awesome and wonderful. Just know, your daddy and I are here to help train you and prepare you. We love you and will always, always, always, be there for you.
First and foremost, I am praying that you grow to love the Lord with your whole heart. That you would not know a day without knowing your savior. He died on the cross for you, baby girl. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we wouldn't have to. I know that if your heart is completely enraptured with your Heavenly Father...you will desire to obey Him and keep His commandments. It won't be perfect, but fortunately for us...God isn't expecting perfection from us and thanks be to God, he is quick and just to forgive us.
In correlation with that, I pray that you would love people well. That you would have a heart that seeks to serve and die to self. That you would love the way Christ loves. You're going to have many opportunities in life where it's going to take work to love and there may be times you're tempted to choose otherwise, but darling, it's worth it.
Be kind. It seems so simple...but it can be so hard. All throughout life you will have chances to build someone up, or tear someone down. Daniella, be kind. Be considerate. Fight for the underdogs of the world.
Be honest but gracious. Honesty is something to be admired. Honesty is a beautiful thing... But cover your words, your thoughts, your actions with grace. Be gracious to others... Be gracious to yourself.
Work hard. Be diligent and a good disciple of what God gives you. Good work ethic is not something to be taken lightly. You are healthy and strong... Don't take that for granted. Work hard. Serve others. Be generous. Be wise with the money you earn.
Know that you have been fearfully and wonderfully made. You are beautiful, darling. The world is going to throw many different definitions of the word "beautiful" and try to convince you that you're not pretty enough, skinny enough, strong enough. But Dani, remember...you have been fearfully and wonderfully made. There's only one you, Daniella Marie, on this planet. So no need to spend all your time trying to be like someone else.
And lastly, just know that your parents are not perfect. We are learning and growing right alongside of you. Give us grace...We have been granted this beautiful privilege of being your parents, and we don't take that for granted. We know we will have to ask you for forgiveness. We know that we will have to discipline you... But just never forget that we love you. Our prayer is that you would see Christ through us. We are here for you. We are praying for you.
Don't let anyone ever steal your sense of wonder, baby girl.
We love you ❤️
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