Birthday Blessings

It’s practically the end of the day. In fact, it’s way past the end of my day. I prefer to be in bed by 9:30…but I just can’t let the day finish without taking the time to wish someone a very happy birthday.

Today is my older sister’s birthday. On this day, 29 years ago, my Mom was 24 years old. My Dad was 28. Up until that day, they had lived lives of singleness and coupleness, but when 9:00AM rolled around, my sister gave them the opportunity to live the life of parents. Obviously, I wasn’t there that day, but I can imagine it was a day of much happiness and celebration.

My sister changed the world for my parents that December day, and she has continued to change the world throughout the past 29 years.

With each passing day, I am more and more thankful for her.

She has weathered a lot in her 29 years. She has gone through things that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Yet, through each and every storm, she has taught me so much. She's shown me what it looks like to walk the narrow road. She's demonstrated the importance of truly forgiving. She's modeled the concepts of God's unconditional love and His overwhelming grace better than any I know.

Confidential to the Birthday Girl: Happy Happy Birthday to you, my dear sister. Sure, I may have complained once or twice about being the middle sister...but I take it all back if it means that I wouldn't have you for an older sister. I'm so thankful for the road that you paved and continue to pave for me. With each passing year, I find people associate me with different people and things, but I am so thankful that one of those associations is one that I have had for my entire life...Cile's younger sister. I don’t know what God has in store for you this next year, but I know that no matter the circumstance one thing will be certain. You will use the year to continue to inspire and encourage those around you. I love you so so much!