Carly is 28 years old today! She had lunch with friends (fish and chips at Culver's with Madison and Peyton), a gluten free cupcake from Nadia's Cupcakes and homemade pizza for dinner — all adapted as much as possible to her dietary needs and so far remarkably well tolerated. (This actually might be the miracle of the year close behind my cancer cure.) There are still some gifts to open and more Facetime calls to enjoy this evening along with a small family gathering on Saturday. But this birthday has already been a smash hit for her. Oh, what joy it has been for Larry and I to see her living such a wonderful life. 

I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible young woman she is and how God has graced her life with so many fantastic blessings. We’re constantly reminded of the love being poured into her by family and friends. I can hardly express how humbling and comforting it is to see her (and us too) surrounded by deep caring and support. 

The kind of interdependent life Carly leads is probably more remarkable than it should be. How much more Christ-like would the world be if we were all somewhat less self-reliant and more family and community centered? But aside from theorizing about the amazing blessings Carly experiences, we’re celebrating the amazing person she is. 

Carly is strong and full of joy. She rarely gives up on herself or others. She doesn’t judge. She stands her ground when it matters to her, but she only seems to demand her own way when she knows someone else is being selfish. She is otherwise accepting and grateful for the caring offered to her. Just this morning, she expressed her thanks to me for something I did by gently putting her arm around my neck and pulling me in for a kiss on my forehead. 

Carly has experienced plenty of challenges. Her body often doesn’t respond for her in ways she needs it to. She is limited in her ability to express her thoughts, feelings and needs too. She often has to wait for her turn or for someone to figure out what will help her. Yet she is patient and perseveres, many times without complaint. And her attention is far more easily redirected to something positive than the rest of ours would allow when life is frustrating or disappointing. I admire her resilience and courage to keep trying new things and trusting others who love her when she could simply insist on her own way. 

Carly’s life shows us just how FREE we can really be. She regularly helps me escape the grip of other urgencies and moves me toward things that matter most. I have also released a lot of shame, guilt, need for productivity and thinking too deeply by embracing her lifestyle of simplicity and love above all other things. 

Christ’s spirit speaks to Carly’s spirit. It is the most beautiful and promising mystery that God does that with her, that He does that for any of us! Carly demonstrates a moment-to moment trust in God that is a daily example to me. I see in her an illustration of Jesus’ slow and gracious rhythms, of priorities rightly placed, of unconditional love, of courage and perseverance in trials, of sweet affection, of a joyful and fun spirit that spills over a downcast soul. Her glowing smile and simple presence have healing power. 

Happy happy birthday, Carly girl! You are a bright, warm sunbeam in our world.