Bittersweet Birthday

Today is a sad day for me. It's my oldest's 19th birthday. Why does that make me sad - only because she's not here. She's celebrating her birthday while on her missionary trip to Ireland. Oh, I know, I can't complain. My amazing daughter is on a mission trip, serving God with all her heart. I couldn't ask for more. But still... this is probably the first birthday I haven't been able to give her a hug, take her out for her free mexican birthday meal and watch her open her gifts.

I am grateful that my prayers for her when she was young have been answered. I didn't do the standard prayers for my child. I didn't pray she'd be successful in her life. I didn't pray she'd be financially secure. I didn't even pray she'd just be happy. Those are all good things, but I wanted something more. I prayed she'd have a life fully committed to Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. Oh, she could still be successful, she could still be rich and happy, but none of those things should come before a firm, solid relationship with Christ.

So, today, while I am sadly missing my girl, I am also celebrating the answered prayer.

What prayers do you say for your children?