Growing up. It happens. Having your kids grow up. Who’s idea was that?

I remember wishing she could just hold a fork. Walk to the refrigerator. Get all the shampoo out of her own hair. And all the while some sweet, well-meaning mom was saying, “Don’t wish away the years. They’ll go by so fast.”

Fast? No. Roller coasters are fast. This was warp speed Star Wars stuff.

Last week she was born. Tuesday she was crawling around on the floor in an oversized Cowboys T-shirt and a diaper. Thursday she was a bride for Halloween, which was the same day she got her first haircut. Saturday I taught her how to read and write. And then we went to bed, woke up, and 6,570 days were gone. And standing before me was this beautiful, adult-like, blonde-haired blue-eyed woman child. Who could not only hold a fork but do some killer eyebrows and drive a car.

My sweetest Lacie Lou, you are pure gold. You are breathtaking. You are funny. You are wise beyond your years, and brave beyond your fears. Let no one be fooled by your small frame, for you are gifted with big faith and a warrior’s heart. You have sent the enemy fleeing for his very life more than once.  Your words are carefully considered and always impactful. You have moved rooms full of people toward greater things. You have moved me.

I love you endlessly and more every day, and believe with everything in me that you are made for such a time as this. You are perfectly and wonderfully created and gifted for this generation. They need you. And you will lead them toward the One who makes beauty from ashes.

To say I am proud to be your mom – the words seem hollow compared to how I really feel. I’m honored. I’m humbled. I am blessed God chose me for you.

Happy 18th Birthday my love. Your journey is just beginning and as I always say, I’m so glad to have this front row seat. Do good. Do right. Be cool. And don’t wish the years away. They go by fast.