2 overdue birthday posts that doubles up as my Valentines' Day letter to my little ones this year.
And of course a very Happy Valentine's Day to my earthly valentine whom I hope will be my best friend through all eternity, and to my Heavenly Valentine whom I long to meet face to face one day.
Happy 6th Birthday, Elliot!
Dearest Elliot,
Six years old today! We had a few friends over – your
classmate Freddy and our old neighbors Miles and Cole, for a playdate after
school. Mya and I made you a Flash cake, and you were so excited about that. Your
birthday is a special day and we are so glad that we get to celebrate you in a
special way today!
As Daddy and I look at the pictures and videos of your first
few years, I remember being worried about you not talking! You little mind was taking
everything in – Daddy’s effusive expressions and tickling, Mya’s singing and
talking, and Mummy’s reading and funny sounds. And now, you speak so clearly
what’s on your mind – be it when you’re praying or playing, angry or happy.
Thank you for letting us know what you’re thinking and feeling, I pray that
will not change – that even when you’re sixteen or thirty six, you’ll still let
us know what’s on your heart.
Your “no-filter” is such a precious quality, especially when
they come out in your prayer. I love to hear your pray. Your superlatives when
you’re mad make me laugh and cry – “you will never see me again! I will not
talk to you ever again!” Nothing you can say child, can make us love you less. Daddy
and I pray for God’s wisdom to steward your honesty, and yet also teach you self-control
and other centered-ness – that you will show us all how to own and speak the
truth in love.
Your reckless abandon (and sometime destruction) is not
because you don’t care though. You care deeply about what others think, which causes
you to be embarrassed some times. I’m still trying to figure out if there is a
specific trigger; and the best I can come up with is probably when your pride
is wounded or when attention is drawn to you unexpectedly. Oh son, we’re still
learning how best to parent you every
day. But my prayer is that you will learn the freedom of self-forgetfulness, to
look and think of yourself less and more of Christ each day.
Now that you’ve started kindergarten and are learning
Chinese, I like how you do the motions alongside the words! 大！小！力！I can’t wait to discover the
passions and gifts God has given to you as you learn and grow in knowledge.
Speaking of knowledge, your knowledge of all things
super-heroes has far surpassed me. You’re such a “boy’s boy”. Your love for
superheroes, Ninjagos, the color blue (and Bluey), Star Wars, Sonic Boom and
rappy loud music! You challenge my tastes and preferences, or should I say
“expand my horizons.” You speeding around the house like the Flash, or kung-fu
fighting the air, karate-kicking the walls and wrestling Daddy and Mya; are
things that I’m going to try to enjoy now coz I know I’ll miss them when you
grow up. You’re also cheeky and gross sometimes, I hope and pray you’ll enjoy
all the gifts that God has given to us in God-honoring ways.
Beneath your “tough-guy” exterior is a precious tender
heart. You were sad the other day after a dream about daddy dying; and after
Pete’s Dragon last night, when you remembered Pete’s parents dying. And even
though you enjoy frustrating your sister, your adoration for Mya is evident;
taking after her interests in Narnia, Dragon Masters and wanting to follow her
around.
Oh son, I love you so very much! Daddy loves you, Mya loves
you and King Jesus loves you most of all. I pray you’ll grow up loving Jesus
and be a man after His heart; with noble character and honor; and shine
brightly for Him every day.
Happy 8th Birthday Mya!
Dearest Mya,
Happy Belated birthday! I’ve had this letter in the works
now for so long, and it’s taken a long time to complete it – sorry sweetheart!
As I think about your 8th year, I am amazed at
how much you’ve learnt and developed. I’m torn between wanting to see how God
is molding and shaping you, and not wanting you to grow up too quickly! Time is
slipping through our hands so fast. I miss the little baby who refuses to sleep
on her own and would cry till she threw up, the little toddler running in
circles around the house, the little sister who would sing to her baby brother,
the little mind who could memorize so many psalms… even till today! She’s
growing up to be a little lady who has to start using facial wash, who enjoys
spas and getting her nails done, and who likes dressing up a little to go on a
date with her daddy.
Pride fills me up as I think about you starting 2nd
grade, writing mini Chinese essays. You learning piano and writing songs. You
doing somersaults on the trampoline. You roller-blading and then being able to
skate on the ice at first try. You can do so things I can’t my darling! Not to
mention your natural dance moves, jokes, magic shows, family services and home
video productions (Rapunzel! Queen Ester, …). Your ability to pick up lyrics
also amazes me.
I love your creativity, boldness to try new things and
fun-loving personality. When you get so excited about the rides at Six Flags;
or a part in a movie, you cannot stop bouncing on the couch. You squeal and
your eyes light up. I pray you’ll never lose that sense of wonder and spark in
your eyes my dear. Each day and moment is a gift from the Lord to be enjoyed,
and it fills Him up with so much delight to see His daughter embracing the
gifts He has given.
This is also the year you fell in love with reading on your
own. Daddy was waiting for this switch to be turned on. You have made him so
happy. Our “reading and hair” time in the evenings are precious to me – not
only because I can braid and try out hair styles on my real-live doll; but also
because I get to learn about women who change the world with you, or get lost
in another world with you, be it Narnia or a land with dragators.
There have been a few difficult things and conversations this
year too. With grades and teasing in school, unnecessary comparisons I make
that hurt your feelings, concerns about 公公’s salvation, or just the daily reality of sin in us and
the world. Sometimes, it makes you ask “Do you love me? Will you still love me?”
I want you to know Mya, that nothing will ever stop Daddy
and me from loving you. Ever. Even when we hurt you or you hurt us, or when it
seems to you that we don’t. We do and we will. Don’t give heed to the lies that
Satan whispers in your ears – just as it did to Eve. God loves you and will
always love you. We love you and will always love you. As you grow up, you’ll
have more questions; the world will make you doubt yourself, God’s love and
these truths that you grew up with.. But know my sweetheart of hearts, that He
has us in His hands. “For neither heights nor depth, angels nor demons, nor can
ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Happy Valentines and Belated Birthday my kiddos! You have my
heart and always will.
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