When I think about the ways she has grown and changed this past year, the word that stands out to me is "settled." Settled can be defined as adopting a more steady or secure style of life. What I love about this definition is the way it balances work and choice with rest and security. Over and over again, you have a daily choice to adopt - that is the work part of the definition. And as a result of the work of adoption, you have the gift of security and steadiness.
This reminds me of the Biblical idea of Shalom - an idea of peace and wholeness. It is a direction all Christians are facing, and a destination that can only be reached in Christ. I have seen our Songbird move towards Christ and wholeness in so many ways this year. Not that it has always been a continuous upward trajectory (we have had our moments), but that at the end of the year she has reached a much more settled spot than when she began - a spot with more and more echoes of Shalom.
One of the things that has grown peace in our Songibrd is her love for reading. She was a bit older when she began to really dive into independent reading, though she would always sit for hours listening to a good story. And now that the world of imagination has opened up for her through reading, I have seen her take initiative and develop new tastes and passions - things she has chosen on her own - apart from us. I just love watching this growing independence, seeing her uniqueness blossom, listening to her share a good story she just finished reading to her brother and sister. The gift of story has such a settling effect (so long as it isn't too scary), and it is a joy to watch Songbird set out on her daily story adventures.
Another thing that has grown peace in our Songbird is friendship. She has many far-away friends whom she loves dearly as sisters, but since our move to Kennesaw, finding local friends has been a harder process. I have been so thankful for our bi-weekly writing co-op where sweet Ruth has taken Songbird under her wing. Even though Ruth is 4 years older, she truly enjoys spending time with Songbird, and offers so much wisdom along with a positive example of what it looks like to grow up in Christ. Her sister Ella has also been a blessing, and the entire writing co-op gang. I feel like taking time to read as a large group, breaking bread and sipping tea together, fishing and playing at the lake has been a wonderful bi-weekly rhythm for all our children. And if they've learned something academic on the side, that's great too :)
Songbird has also grown in peace through music. We were able to give her official piano lessons this year, and she loved every minute of it. I'm pretty sure I never heard her complain about practicing or going to lessons. In fact, she often spends 30 minutes at a time coming up with a new song or a new set of chord progressions. Singing has always been a source of comfort and joy for her, but now she can add piano to the mix.
I am so honored to be this strong, creative, imaginative farm-girl's Mom. The other day Hubry was walking with Songbird through the woods, telling her that she was always welcome to live in our home if she wants, so long as she contributes to the work of the home. She said our yard was too small for her, that she would work for several years as a vet, save up her money, and move to a large farm. Then we were welcome to move in with her, so long as we helped out on the farm. :)
Songbird, we love you!!!
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