last week ella turned seven years old. there are so many things in my heart about this milestone that i can't put into words. but there are at least seven things about ella that i CAN put into words, and they are:
1--ella believes in the goodness of others. even when someone hurts her, she is willing to give them a second--or third, or fourth--chance, and each time she is as open to the possibility of their friendship and goodwill as she was the very first time.
2--ella is concerned about others to such an extent that she will go out of her way to help another, to console and soothe another, even when she doesn't know what is wrong. when sees someone in distress she feels called to respond, and she does so without any strings attached.
3--ella still loves dora. she still loves all the simple, kind, gentle things about young childhood that so many other children her age have discarded in favor of being more grown up, and she makes no apologies about it either.
4--ella is willing to give anything a try--a new food, a new book, and ride at the fair. if she doesn't care for it after trying it, she'll kindly say, "i appreciate the offer but i've had plenty, thank you."
5--ella always looks on the bright side of life. no matter what the inconvenience or disappointment, she is able to see the good in it as well. if she forgets to bring something with her, she says, "oh well, at least i won't lose it!". if her friend is gone by the time we get to the park, she says, "oh well, that just leaves us more to talk about next time."
6--ella is patient about inconveniences and boredom. we often have to go places that hold nothing of interest for her, and she readily finds a way to keep herself occupied and entertained, and often she ends up wishing we could stay so she could continue whatever she has started.
7--ella loves god and trusts in his plan. she understands that there is a cycle to life and when confronted by the less pleasant parts--the parts that require saying good-bye to those we love--she does so with the confidence that he has it all worked out for the best.
and here's one to grow on: ella cares about the world. she wants the air we breathe and the water we drink and the food we eat to be safe, clean, and healthy--not just for us, but also for the habitats that all god's creatures need to survive and thrive. she wants us all to use only what we need so that there is enough for everyone. she is a true humanitarian, and i aspire to be as good as she truly is.
happy 7th birthday, sweet angel baby! mama and dadu love you, and we pray this year is your best one yet!
