Dear Maya,

You are outnumbered. We have had a lot of babies around lately, but you are the only girl. And what a wonderful girl you already are. But don’t worry. Somebody told me that it would be to your advantage to be the only one around. I don’t know about that.

You will be outnumbered in other ways, too. My prayer is that you will grow up in the Lord, and that you will be taught from a babe those writings which will make you wise unto salvation. (see 2 Timothy 3:14-15) If you use that wisdom and become the kind of Christian that can look forward to heaven, you will be in the minority there, too. But remember what Paul said: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" (Rom. 8:31).

And don’t forget all of those who love you, they will be on your side, too. There will be your Grandpa, your grandmothers and Papa T, always waiting and anxious to help out when you need us. And Mom and Dad will always be near to give you the guidance and support that is so important to little girls as they grow up. But there is one friend that will be more special than anyone. That would be your big brother Connor. He has loved you since the day that he heard of you, and his heart is so big and full that he can hardly stand it. Whatever happens, let him be your best friend and love him back.

Maya, I am afraid for my children and grandchildren. The world is so dark with evil and temptation, and things seem to be getting worse. My prayer has always been that I would not add to the darkness, but bring a little of the light of the Lord to my friends and neighbors. You have brought light to my life by being born, and my prayer is that you might share that same light with others by the way that you live. I will try to teach you to sing "This Little Light of Mine," but I will hope always that it is more than a song. Jesus told us, "Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16).

Will I spoil you? I am afraid that I will. You will have me wrapped around your finger just like your brother does. I will try to do this while at the same time teaching you not to take for granted all the blessings of this world. Never lose yours sense of awe and wonder at what God has done, and never get to the point where you don’t feel the need to give thanks. The apostle Paul told us, and I tell you, "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful" (Col. 3:15).

Maya, learn to pray. Your heavenly Father loved you enough to send his Son to die on the cross. If he loves you that much, he will listen and not turn you away. Remember the proper respect. He did create you and will someday judge your deeds. "Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: for our God is a consuming fire" (Heb 12:28-29). But as any loving father would, he wants you to talk to him. Don’t forget to say your prayers. That’s what praying is, talking to God. And trust him to hear. He won’t always say yes to your requests, but he will do what is best – and he will hear.

I have to go now to get this to the printer. I am so glad that you are finally here and I can hardly wait to give you a big hug.

Love and kisses,

Your Grandpa