Dear Emmalee,

I love watching you create. Whether you’re sitting around the living room playing with Legos, coloring a picture or making some other crafty piece, I often will sit and watch what you’re doing.

Your creativity certainly comes from your mama and not from me. She regularly uses her skills to be a blessing to others, and I see you doing the same thing. I’m proud of the way that you color pictures for your friends, because I know your kindess will brighten their day. I’m always pleased when you want to give me one of your creations. Many times in my office I’ve sat back and smiled as I’ve looked at one of your pictures on my wall. They make me think of you, and that always makes me happy.

In the book of Acts, the Bible tells about a woman who used her skills and her creativity to bless others. Her name was Tabitha, or Dorcas.

We don’t know a lot about Dorcas, but we do know that she often made clothes to give away to other people. The Bible describes her as being “full of good works and acts of charity.” But then Dorcas got sick, and she died. Lots of people were sad because they loved her so much. She had been generous and kind, and I hope that you will grow up to be the same way.

But even more important than Dorcas’ generosity was the way that God used her life to bring glory to him. The Bible tells us that after Dorcas had died, Peter came and brought her back to life! Of course, that wasn’t because of any ability that Peter had. God was the one who raised Dorcus from the dead, and he did it to glorify himself. After Dorcas had been brought back to life, the Bible tells us that “it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”

So Emmalee, my prayer for you as you celebrate your seventh birthday is that like Dorcas, you would grow up to be “full of good works and acts of charity.” I pray that God would continue to cultivate your creativity, and that it would be a source of joy not only for you, but for others as well. But most importantly, I pray that your life would be a giant finger pointing to the goodness and grace of God, and that he would be honored through you.

Happy birthday, my 7-year-old Sweet Pea. You bring much joy to my heart, and I love you deeply.

Dad