This year has been a tough year for Alyssa. In fact, the last four years have been very difficult as she struggles with health issues, very low energy, frequent stomach aches, allergies to most foods, etc. Yet through it all, she tries to keep her eyes fixed on Christ, longing for the day (in this life or in the next) when she will be set free from suffering, tears, pain, sickness (Rev. 21:4). In fact, she frequently tells us how much she longs to leave this life and go to be with Jesus. Yet we trust God is working to accomplish His purposes in her (Rom.8:28).

In honor of Alyssa, I thought I’d share a few things I appreciate about her:

Compassionate – Alyssa cares deeply about those around her, whether family, people on the news, her beloved dog Loki, anyone and anything.

Conscientious – Alyssa works hard to be a “good girl,” to do what is right, not to disappoint those around her, to fulfill what is expected, whether in school or life. Part of this is that she tries to honor God in her decisions, and doesn’t hide her faith in Christ.

Sensitive – This probably goes without being said, but following in her mama’s footsteps, she is sensitive in every way a person can be sensitive, whether spiritually, physically, emotionally – she feels things deeply.

 

Artistic – Not just her mother and me, but many others say that Alyssa has unusually gifts and abilities in art. Again flowing from her mom, her creativity seems boundless, and the pictures she draws/paints and creations she builds are amazing.

 

 

 

 

Sincere – What you see is what you get with Alyssa. She doesn’t put on pretenses or hide who she is. She is filled with integrity and character, perhaps created in part by going through suffering (Rom.5:3).

As her father, I’m deeply grateful for the blessing God has given our family in Alyssa. She is not defined by her sickness, although it is necessarily a huge part of her life. While certainly struggling with bouts of discouragement, in the big picture she rises above and chooses to trust Christ.

Alyssa, on this your 14th birthday, may you experience God’s joy and good pleasure with you and within you, and know that your mother and I are so proud of the lovely young woman you are becoming. Love, Dad