This is a beautiful letter from Matt to Piper. Our doula encouraged us to have some special time just as a family of two before our baby came into the world. Matt chose to write our little one a letter. He read this out loud moments before I went into the OR. I will always treasure this special moment in our story.
Little one, I've been waiting for you. A year ago we had no idea you would be joining our family. We had big dreams of what you would be like someday, but didn't know that you would come so soon. I wouldn't change a thing. You don't realize this yet but Jesus has already used you to draw me closer to Him. He has already used you to draw Shan and I closer to each other. You haven't even taken a breath yet and you've been more of a blessing then you could ever imagine. I want to pray for you little one because some day you won't be little anymore. Someday you'll grow up, fearfully and wonderfully made, and make your own way. You will always be my child, whether you want to be or not, and whether I want you to be or not. Nothing can separate us. Know now that you will never do anything that will land you outside of my love for you. You will always find a place of love with me. I promise to do my best to teach you what it means to dwell deeply in a shallow world. To show you the things in life of substance. To be the things I hope to see you. I promise to love your mother more than any other human being on this earth. If I fail as a father, my hope is that my love for your mother would be all you need to see of Jesus in our home. She has been the greatest gift God has has ever given me. We don't know how lucky we are to have her. I want to pray for your now. Someday you will no longer hear my prayers, but I will always pray for you. I will always love you and do my best to protect you.
Jesus take this child. Make it your own. Protect it and keep it close to your chest. Instill in this child a love for you, for freedom, and for grace. Show its mother and I how to ask for forgiveness, how to walk in mercy, and how to love unconditionally. Protect it from the darkness in this world, but embolden it to engage the culture for your Kingdom. Give us laughter Lord. Grant us peace. I promise, before you my King, to do my best to love this child. It is yours before it is ours. And because it is yours we trust in you. Thank you for this great gift. We love you Jesus.I'll see you soon.
Love, Daddy
1 comment:
Shannon, what a wonderful blog! I also love this letter written by Matt, how beautiful! I teared up reading it (insert Caleb saying "oh course you did!" - I can get a little teary at such things) :) I envisioned my father, who is passed, wanting the same things for me. I feel so blessed to have met you a few weeks ago!
Laurie Champ
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