Dear Heavenly Father,
You are my provider, able to do more than I can ask or imagine. You forgive me when I mess up and love me with a great love. You are my helper, my refuge and my comforter. You show kindness to me each day and You are faithful to walk beside me always.
God this morning we wake up and realize it has been 8 years since our girl left this world. Eight years since I held her and heard her voice. However, I acknowledge that you ended her earthly suffering, her life of doctor's appointments, medicines, and couch laying. You brought her into your presence...which I can't even imagine.
You have time and time again shown me that her short 1061 days was meant for a great purpose. As much as I would have loved more time with her, You did what You did for a reason. I miss her giggle, jokes about her hair, her munchies and how much she loved her daddy! But you have continued to provide such peace to us.
You continue to assure us and allow us to see changes in those around us that You Jesus have orchestrated because of Ellie's life. You have moved people to create an amazing organization, Ellie's Elves, that helps so many families in need and shines Your light to others. You have moved my parents to serve others in Your name, through a food pantry. Through that food pantry, You brought my dad to church where he's found You. You spurred us on to do something for Ellie's birthday. Which turned into 120 Hope Boxes, then 400, then 600, then 1000, then 1600! To think all those kids have heard about Jesus, because of what you did with Ellie's life. You have changed my job and brought me back to the community that walked with us through Ellie's life. You allow me to serve the families now, that served us. You have given my children an understanding of life and grief that allows them to understand others so much better. You have allowed our sweet friend to walk her grief with her trust in You, because she's seen us do it before. You are amazing.
Thank you for allowing me to see all of this. For giving me assurance that Ellie's death, was not the end of her life. For reminding me that EVERYTHING that happens in our lives is part of an intricate plan that we can't even imagine.
You are mighty, You are all knowing, and I will continue to praise You in all things.
In your Son Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
