Dear Nicole,
Happy Birthday sweet girl! You are 2 years old today and I can't stop smiling about it. You are incredibly easy to celebrate because you're excited about all of the small things that go into a celebration, like the birthday song and cupcake frosting. I love watching your face light up as other people enthusiastically wish you a happy birthday. Your smile is bright, your heart is tender and your spirit is kind. I love those things about you!
Over the last 2 years, we have spent a lot of time together and I have had the wonderful privilege of learning about who God made you to be. Even though you are only 2 years old, I believe that I have started to see things in you that God placed in you intentionally, with a special purpose in mind. I wanted to share with you what some of those things are so that neither of us ever forget the uniquely beautiful little girl God has created you to be.
First of all, words are important to you. I have been noticing that the words and phrases others say to you are kept in a special place in your heart. You remember the things that people say to you, whether it's an endearing nickname or a unique greeting. Their words connect you with them and help you form meaningful and productive relationships. So far in your life, the things that other people have said to you have been mostly kind and I'm so thankful that you are able to treasure those things in your heart. The kind words that other people say to you are a refection of Gods deep love for you and his unconditional affection towards you.
Second of all, you love people well by being kind to them and learning things about them. I have no doubt that your tender heart and kind spirit are things that God created in you special. I have loved watching you interact with others and extend kindness to your friends even when kindness isn't extended to you. You remember things about people such as the activities you do with them or the things they like. You remember that bananas are MJ's favorite food even though we only shared a banana with him once. You remember that Miss Stacey brought you soup when you were sick even though that was months ago. You remember the names of your friends and you are patient when they have a hard time sharing with you. The things you remember about people helps you to be a good friend and love them for who they are. You are able to love others because God first loved you. Nicole loves because God first loved Nicole (1 John 4:19).
In fact, God loves you so much that He made a way for you to be with Him forever in heaven. The Bible tell us that God so loved Nicole, that he gave his one and only Son, so that if Nicole believes in him, she will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Your dad and I love you more than you will ever know but God loved you first and He will always love you the best. You are God's very good idea!
Third, you love being around people! It makes sense to me that for a little girl who has naturally loved and cared for others her whole life, you love being around people. Your dad and I noticed that you loved being around other people even as a baby. People have always been drawn to you because you have an inviting personality and a sweet spirit. Your love for people and being with people is a reflection of your Creator, God. The Bible tells us that God made every part of you while you were growing in my tummy. For God created Nicole's inmost being, he knit her together in mommy's tummy. Nicole is fearfully and wonderfully made. . .God's eyes saw Nicole's unformed body and all of the days of her life were written in God's book before even one of them came to be (Psalm 119: 13-14, 16).
When God was putting you together piece by piece as you were growing in my tummy, He created the part of you that loves being around others. God loves people too, which means that your love for others is a reflection of Him. I pray that your deep love for other people will always remind you of the unconditional, unchanging, eternal love God has lavished upon you.
Forth, you are an adventurer! Your very first boat ride was when you were about 8 months old and you squealed the whole time the wind was on your face. You love going fast on Bop-pa's fishing boat, you are delighted every time Miss Stacey takes you for a ride in her bike trailer and you have always liked going down slides. You aren't afraid of new challenges, especially if it's something physical like a bounce house or a new playground. You climb, you explore, you giggle and you play. You have encountered many new situations so far in your young life and I haven't seen you hesitate or show fear yet.
Someday, you will experience fear and when that happens I want you to know that God is with you and He wants you to trust Him. When Nicole is afraid, she will trust in God. In God whose word she praises, in God Nicole trusts: she will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to her? (Psalm 56: 3-4). No matter where you are, you can always pray and ask God to help you. He hears you when you pray to Him. This is the confidence Nicole has in approaching God: that if she asks anything according to His will, he hears her (1 John 5:14).
Fifth, you love nature and animals. I don't think I know anyone else who loves being outside as much as you do. You have loved books about animals since you were a baby and any opportunity you have to see an animal in real life has been an absolute treat. When you don't have the opportunity to be around real animals, you do a wonderful job of taking care of your stuffed animals.
Sixth, you are a great communicator. This is one of my favorite things about you because it has allowed me to know you on such a deep level. You learned how to speak at an early age and because your speech is clear, you've been able to draw other people into relationship with you too. My absolute favorite moments are when you use your words to be kind to others or to pray. You are quick to say, "bless you" to someone you heard sneeze, even if they are a stranger. You are also quick to ask for prayer if you aren't feeling well or need a little encouragement yourself. One of the moments that I will remember forever was when we were at the park with your friend Marley a few weeks ago and I told you that my tummy was hurting. You immediately stopped what you were doing and prayed, "Dear God, Mommy's tummy hurt. Feel better. Amen." It was one of the simplest, most beautiful prayers that has ever been prayed for me and I believe that it is a reflection of your faith in God. I pray that your communication will always be honoring to God and encouraging to others. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of Nicole's mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).
Nicole, I love you so much! I am thankful that you are my daughter and that God put us together as a family. Happy birthday, big girl!
Love,
Mom
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