She's the one who made me a mommy, one of my best friends in the whole world. She's brave, passionate, ambitious, domestic, creative, empathetic, athletic, talented, coordinated, humble, extremely responsible, wise well beyond her years, a natural leader, an avid reader, a nurturing soul, a brilliant encourager, discerning, well-mannered, and a mini mother hen in our home.
It's common for others to urge me not to ask too much of my eldest in a family of our size, but it's not possible to hold Aida back from doing what God designed her to do. She loves contributing to our family and tenderly caring for her little siblings and our home. That's just who she is. That's what Aida likes to do and I love it about her.
Aida's name means "joyful helper" and she is. She's also extremely competent, which happens to be a bonus. Between Aida and Elka, I can be confident that my home will run efficiently if I'm out. My girls have got it covered. Aida is the type of child that I can briefly explain something to and know for certain that she "got it" and will achieve what I've explained. She just gets it.
As Aida has grown and matured in the Lord, it is clearly evident that the Holy Spirit has transformed my little girl into a blossoming woman of God. Her inner heart shows identifiable change that can only come from Him. Her heart is broken for what breaks His. She loves Him, spends time with Him, is devoted to Him, and wants to serve Him with her life.
While most girls her age are circling items in gift and doll catalogs, Aida saves her money, literally circling items in Samaritan's Purse catalogs, calculating how much more she needs to save in order to buy mosquito nets, chickens, and "Jesus Loves You" lambs for impoverished people across the globe. Aida is a ring leader and passionate about rallying for the poor and needy. I know she will use her life to minister to the least of these in Jesus' name. I'm sure of it. She already does!
It's because of Aida that we sponsored our first Compassion International child. She opened our heart to a work God was doing in the life of a little girl all the way in Africa. I'm so thankful for this compelling spirit of compassion that Aida has displayed. She pushes me (in a good way) when I'm usually the one prodding others. It's funny to have a child grow to a place of maturity where I honestly feel like I glean perspective from her. She shares her heart and I listen. Aida is my friend.
Lord, as I consider my Aida today, pondering the gift you gave me in her, I rejoice! As I remember her bold spirit when she was young and questioned why you chose a child so different from me, for me, I realize my naivety. We are intensely more similar than I could have realized. How could I have seen in my own immaturity the blessings wrapped up in this wonderful child? How could I have known how complimentary her attributes would be for me as her mother? How could I have understood the plans you had and have for Aida?
So, now as I reflect on all that you have done in and through Aida, I thank you, God, for choosing her for my first born child. You know exactly what you are doing and you have beautiful plans for Aida's life. May she love you passionately all the days you've ordained for her and may she serve you well as she serves others in your name. Thank you, Lord, for Aida, my cherished friend, loyal life partner, precious daughter. Amen.
"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." Ephesians 6:10
"Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, “Behold,
we did not know this,” does not he who weighs
the heart perceive it? Does not he
who keeps
watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according
to his work?" Proverbs
24:11-12
"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that
you have not known." Jeremiah 33:3
