Today is my daughter’s 20th birthday! I’ve spent the last week asking myself the familiar questions.
How could this be?
Where has all the time gone?
Is she really all grown up?
Then I got to thinking about all the kids. I realized they have all experienced socially significant birthdays this year.
In April the oldest turned 21. He “came of age”, no longer a minor, magically transformed into an adult, with adult rights and responsibilities.
He has certainly proven himself capable of making adult decisions, carrying a job, and making the grades as a college student. He has also discovered it takes a little more than pixie dust to fly out there in the real world!
This young adult is growing more confident of God’s plan and purpose for him day by day. Such confidence will be rewarded through his perseverance – Heb. 10:35-36, Rom. 5:4.
The youngest child just turned “Sweet 16” in October.
FREEDOM was his first word that day. TETHERED was ours!
Yes, that sweet age has its’ freedoms. He can drive on his own, be responsible for his own clock and calendar, and participate in more activities.
Wait a minute. Did I mention responsibility? Oh yes! He must learn about putting gas in his own car, managing his time, and continuing to follow rules (called laws now), among other things.
And he is doing it! He is growing in knowledge. He’s stretching, reaching, and gathering fruit, learning what is pleasing to the Lord – Eph. 5:8-9.
This brings us to the Birthday Girl! The middle one. Our only daughter. 20 years young today!
I just have to say it one more time, with tears and giggles all mixed up together. Where have the all the years gone?
20 years! Good-bye teens. Good-bye adolescence. Hello young adult!
I have watched her grow, encouraging her in her struggles and cheering on her successes. Growing into an adult is certainly not easy. And she is just leaving the shallow end!
At the age of 20, this young woman is now peering through a different lens. One ready for deeper water. It’s that place where God has purposed her to search out and find. The promise for her in this deep water? When she seeks her place, in truth, she will find it – Mt. 6:33.
I say Happy Birthday today with joy and thanksgiving! I have been so graciously blessed to share in all of these years, and pray God’s continued blessing upon each and every significant year to come.
Happy Birthday Josey!
Shelly Simoneau Stories 