Saturday, August 28, 2010

I pray you'll be in my eyes/ And watch her where she goes

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

Dear Charlotte,

You will be here so soon. How my arms long to hold you. How my eyes long to see your face. How my ears long to hear you cry for me. How my mouth longs to speak words of love to you. How my heart longs to know that you will be ok.

I have prayed for you before you even came to be. I am so thankful that God has granted the desires of my heart; that in just a few more days I will have you as my child. My love for you is greater than I knew existed, and I know it will only grow with each passing day.

When you skin your elbow and children say unkind things to you, your daddy and I are here. When you get sick and your tummy hurts, we will try to make things better. When school gets hard and the days seem long, Daddy and I will do our best to help. When friends are caddy and life gets you down, we will be right here to hold you and brush away your tears. We love you, and that will never change.

But as much as I want you to have an easy, carefree childhood, filled with happy days; my heart's desire for you is that your life would be one lived to glorify God. In your darkest hour it is He who can raise you out of the pit of sin and despair. Your father and I will always be here for you, but we know that only Christ can satisfy the deepest longings of your heart. I pray that you will know His love at a young age and cling to Him for strength. I want you to live a long, full life: to get married and have children and grandchildren. But regardless of when your life on earth is over, I want you to hear: "well done my good and faithful servant."

Charlotte, your father and I love you and are longing to me you. We will mess up many times; please forgive us. We are praying that God would light our path on this journey through parenthood, so that we could be what He desires you to have.

All the love in our hearts,
Mommy and Daddy

10 comments:

becky a said...

I am so moved! Charlotte will cherish this letter forever. You and Ben are so very blessed and I just love how you have trusted the Lord in everything and for everything. Your growth and testimony in how the Lord has been IN your lives and your dependency upon him, has been such a strengthener in our walk with Christ and for so many others... praise God and may the glory be to Him. you are so loved, miss becky

Beth B. Patterson said...

and Aunt Beth will always make sure you are dressed to impress...(and I am sure your mom will have a little to do with this as well!!) I love you Charlotte and cannot wait until you join the family!!

Anonymous said...

There is no greater joy for a parent than to know that your child is walking with Jesus. I am truly blessed. Love you DAD

Susan B. said...

Hi Esther! I'm always blessed by your posts. Charlotte already has the greatest gift she could ever ask for---such great Christian parental influence. I can't wait to see her!

Love,
Great Aunt Susan Barber

Anonymous said...

Ben, I just wanted to say a word of encouragement to you before the big event tomorrow. You play a huge role in rearing this little bundle of joy Charlotte and I just wanted to remind you of the wonderful example God has put in your life, your "Dad". He seems to have done all the right things. You are the backbone of the family now and I trust you all the way. God Bless you three. Love you, Mimi

Anonymous said...

You don't know us, but our church continues to pray for your family and little Charlotte. God bless and be with you tomorrow in your delivery.
Elaine Beck
Son Rise Baptist Church
Hollywood, AL

Dana said...

Ok, BAWLING now!!! We will continue to pray along side you & Ben that these little blessings will never know a day without the love of God to guide, strengthen and encourage them and that they will live long and happy lives according to His will. There are so many groups and individuals praying for Charlotte and you both now and tomorrow. I hope that His peace will overshadow every step of this process for all three of you, and can't wait to hear the good news of Charlotte's safe arrival! LOVE YOU! Dana

Vicky said...

Praying for you, Ben and precious little Charlotte. Can't wait to hear she is safely arrived!

joy said...

So glad to hear little Charlotte is here! Mrs.Elizabeth called my mom..Your next few days will be some of the most unforgettable and precious. What a dear gift God has given to you little Charlotte for Mommy adn Daddy love Jesus more than you and more than each other..
PRAYING for you all these next few days! What a great FATHER she has to hold her the moments when you can't these next few days!

Ann said...

Esther...reading this on the day of Charlotte's birth. Congratulations!!! You have an absolutely beautiful baby girl. Now that you have seen her and touched her, and hopefully soon you will be able to hold her, I know the words you wrote mean even more to you. What wisdom you have! I am so thrilled for you and Ben.
I get choked up remembering those first days with Ellie. How precious and fleeting they are!
You and Ben will be such excellent parents because you understand that you cannot meet Charlotte's every need and her true sufficiency will only be found in Him. Love you both! --and Charlotte too!