For Avery

I know you know, Lord, but she turns four today.
"Though she be but little, she is fierce."
And though she be but four, it feels like she has held my heart for much longer.
And though she be but the youngest in the family, I know you have great plans for her.
She's a force of nature, someone to be reckoned with, a waymaker and a world-changer.

Thank you for her health, vivacity, personality, perspicacity, and all the sugar and vinegar with which you've filled her. Make this year the best yet. Give her a wonderful birthday, an amazing party, and please comfort me and Mimi and all those who because of distance have to mark her birthday from afar, in Jesus' name, amen.