Happy birthday, tranquil mama

How can this young woman be mine? How could I have raised someone who would surpass me in so many ways? When you were little, I was proud of all the ways you were like me - and I still am. But somewhere in those early years you also began to develop characteristics that often elude me. Things like grace and kindness and respect toward other people. I guess you got those from your dad. Things that I have begun to learn from you. Like patience and diligence. And then there's your servant heart. And your calm demeanor and ability to bring peace to situations that are not naturally peaceful. I often remind myself of your words "Tranquila, Mama." I find myself grateful that you found a calm and gentle way to say it without using that other phrase - "Geez, Mom; take a chill pill!" - that lots of kids tell their moms. When I remember your tranquil reminder, I consciously take a deep breath and begin to ask myself what is causing me to feel stress and what I can do about it. I think that I am learning to be gentler and kinder and more patient with myself - and hopefully with others as well.

 

What fun to celebrate you by hanging with your kids. Watching them and listening to them makes me appreciate you even more. In particular, I love it when your daughter points out things in nature before I can even spot them - whether a tiny white butterfly or a barely perceptible dragonfly or the beautiful clouds today or the bright colored leaves on the ground or the tree with barely any leaves left on it. It always surprises me to hear explanations about the beauty of nature coming from your tiny three-year old. I can just imagine you taking the time to explain to her how to notice and count the gossamer wings or which bees "won't hurt you" while you also teach healthy habits by explaining that some things can make you sick and how to prevent that. Once again I learn from you and her - yes, even to shore up my own healthy habits and especially to refresh my sense of wonder.

But it is not just your kids that make you look good. Your hubby's references to you in his sermons... High praise indeed. He says he didn't know the word "nag" because you never do it! Whoa! I sure can't take credit for that one! But I can celebrate it and learn from it.

Actually there are several things that you DON'T do that most people do. Things like having to express your opinion on everything that comes into view. Things like venting your frustration in inappropriate places or ways. Things like putting people down. Things like judging those who are different from you. I can learn much from your example - by observing the things you don't do.

Yep, I celebrate you today. I am so glad that you were born and that it has been my privilege to be your momma. Happy birthday, dear girl.