Over the past few years, I’ve created a bit of a tradition in our family. Whenever it’s anyone’s birthday I take some time beforehand to write a letter to them. Normally it has at least four elements:

1. Expressing my love and gratitude for them

2. Looking back over the past year and remembering some of the beautiful things that have happened.

3. Looking forward and helping shape their worlds with words from scripture

4. A few things to reach for in faith

I started doing this as a bit of an experiment and only time will tell how beneficial it has really been for my girls. However, for me, it has been a brilliant exercise in helping me to express words that I hope and pray will help shape their worlds.