#335.1 – “If We Didn’t Have Anna…”

We are grateful for all of our children and what they mean to us. I cannot imagine not having any of them. This week, I want to write about how they are each unique in giftings and personalities.

“Rise, take your journey, and cross over the River Arnon. Look, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle.” - Deuteronomy 2:24
Anna is our deep thinker. Quiet and reserved, she is cautious about entering into a new relationship or situation. She loves to read (a gift which she did not get from either of us). She is very generous and wants to give and be a help. For example, just the other day, she stayed right by Sarah’s side the majority of the afternoon and helped her pull weeds from our front flower beds. Then she came over and helped me by wiping down the inside of the windows of our vehicles while I finished washing the outside. She is thoughtful towards others – esp. with those whom she is close and comfortable. She and her sister wrote us a note the other day, asking for the opportunity to work for some money for them to save in order to get their brothers gifts.
If we didn’t have Anna, we would have missed out on beholding a true miracle in seeing how God delivered her and protected her at birth – a preemie at 4 lbs 11 oz who struggled early on to gain weight. Today, we would miss out on watching the Lord help this child of such depth and inner beauty struggle to show it and take risk and engage other people. We would not be privileged to witness such a precious heart with compassion.
Lord, thank You for Anna. And thank You for Your selfless love, which is given so freely to us. Help us all to take risks for Your sake in showing love to others. Help us to abandon our fears and engage in the spiritual battle that is going on around us.

Daniel