Finding The Fullness Of Joy

She's 17 today; this sweet girl that has taught me so much about life. 

The girl who lost her dog and brother in a 2 week time span.
Her Nana 7 months before that.
Then the shocking walk of her father through cancer.

This girl who walks in strength and grace.

Whose smile and laughter light up a room.
Her spirit; gentle and soft.

A life surrendered to the King of all Kings.

Practical like her dad. 

Free spirited in so many ways.
She'll celebrate without her older brother to cheer her on.

Her confidant.
Her role model.
She'll cross another milestone.
I fear the joy of some of the birthday celebration has diminished.
Friends are too busy to celebrate.

Her expectations unmet.

So she went to NYC to visit a friend.

So independent and willing to try new adventures.
Really, she has had to grow up quickly.
This magnitude of a loss is costly.
Death so frequently at your door.
So I am praying for wisdom to dispel some of this darkness.
Wanting her to embrace this day.
A day to celebrate her birth.
The gift she is. Who she is in Christ. 

I want her to remember that there is nothing on this earth
that will bring the fullness of joy that Christ can.

John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, 
but I will see you again and you will rejoice, 
and no one will take away your joy.

Everything else is fleeting and temporary.

She's 17.
We'll step each moment into grace.
Seeking how to live before a Sovereign God.
We'll learn how to do these celebrations differently.
Our journey to find the joy.
Happy Birthday Clarissa.
Thank you for your strength throughout such a difficult year.
Thank you for persevering even when you felt like giving up.
The light of Christ shines brightly through you.
You are a blessing.
My cup runneth over.