soaring into year six!

Our Eliza Grace turns 6 today.

Six years ago today on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr Day, we welcomed a 6 lb. 5 oz. little girl into our lives.

I am so very grateful.

Here are the top ten things of the past 5-year-old year, according to mom:

1) You started kindergarten at home.  You do very well.  You enjoy the science and reading portions the most.  I love watching you learn.

2) This summer you ditched your water wings and can swim half the width of the pool with your face in the water.  You’re a very cautious kiddo, but when you decide your ready for the next step in something, you go for it.

3) You really like to sing and you’re in choir this year.  So far, you’ve had two “performances” at church that were well-represented with an Eliza-viewing contingent.  You have also, on occasion, written your own worship songs (transcribed by mom).

4) You love teachers.  Sunday School teachers, Wed. night teachers and homeschool co-op teachers have your utmost respect and awe.  (I don’t count as one, by the way.)

5) Creativity is still a defining characteristic for you.  You love projects and making things, whether it be making food, weaving pot-holders, creating cards or artwork for others.  You are a self-proclaimed artist.  (And I second that.)

6) You love being outdoors in God’s creation.  You love to camp.  Our small group camping trip and North Shore vacation were highlights for you.  You love being out in the snow and playing on the ice.  You love bike rides.  There’s not much that can compete with being outside for you.

7) Your reading skills have grown greatly.  You like to read and I love to hear you read!  Sometimes you read short stories to Seth and Elianna.  This is pure joy for me.

8) Your closest friends are your cousins.  You tend to be a leader among them.  I’m praying that your leadership would be kind-hearted and tender, putting others’ interests above your own.  This is hard at 5 years old, 6 years old and 26 years old.

9) You have been a comfort to me this past year, Eliza.  Thank you.  Still waters run deep.  You were sad when we said goodbye to our little one in August, so was I.  Your cards and hugs meant a lot to me.

10) Your understanding of the Gospel has expanded greatly this past year.  You have expressed your trust in Jesus many times.  I’m thankful for it.  I pray roots of the Gospel will continue to go deep in your heart as you grow.  I pray that you will be consecrated to Him in ways that cannot be undone for all eternity.

Eliza, you are a silly, serious, intense, joyful, creative, wonderful young girl.  You are blessed with many gifts and much responsibility.  I pray you will embrace your place in life and do all things to the glory of God, with reliance on Him.

Mostly I pray that you will be able to see your own sin in light of Christ’s Perfection and His Perfect Sacrifice for sinners on the cross.  I pray that humility will mark you as you stand in awe of a the perfectly Humble One.