Today is the fifteenth birthday of my baby girl, Rebekah. Of course, now that she’s fifteen, the age at which some cultures and societies would consider her a young woman, I really can’t call her my “baby” anymore. She’s all grown up! Wow!
Joye and I just can’t believe the amazing journey of these fifteen years! Born “conveniently” for us, she came on a late, lazy Saturday morning, insuring us of more sleep and no drive-time Boston traffic. But since that time, she has been high energy, high activity, high impact…and I could not be more proud of her.
She loves people. Rebekah has always been a “people-person.” Over the years she has constantly sought out others, befriended them and enjoyed time with them…regardless of whether or not she even knew their name. He enjoys socializing, laughing, hanging out and hospitality is truly a gift she evidences through her life.
She loves animals. From a very early age, she developed a keener interest in our pets than our other children. Even to this day she is always the one who awakens our pet dog every morning. She also created an on-going organization, the “Save the Animals Club,” which continues to educate and address concerns of endangered animals around the world.
She loves “everything Japanese.” This began with a keen interest in anime, something that continues to hold her attention, especially on YouTube. But lately it has morphed into a larger interest, including studying and learning the Japanese language and culture. She longs to visit Tokyo someday.
She loves music. She listens to music (what teenager doesn’t, huh?) online or from her mp3 player. But more than listening, she’s into playing it. She has been a violinist for a handful of years now and continues to work hard to get better and better. She is very skilled, very talented and very engaged. It is a gift she willingly shares.
She loves God. Rebekah has a keen passion for our Lord and continues to show a great interest in Him and His Word. She has a sensitive heart and an eager interest in knowing what God has in store for her life. She also loves His church and has shown over the past few years a growing interest not just in being served, but serving others among God’s people in ways that bless them.
So, happy birthday, ‘Bekah! This is your day and we celebrate your life. God has truly blessed our whole family with you. And as a tribute to you on this special day, here’s a video in your honor…
[...] start with family. I’ve written on Rebekah’s birthday here in my blog yesterday. Today, my other daughter Sarah, who lives in Surrey, Canada (a suburb of Vancouver) sees her first [...]