Daughter, I know what it’s like to feel broken, to be broken.
I know exhaustion.
I know tears and hopelessness.
I know the feeling of not knowing, not wanting to do or feel.
I know it’s impossible not to.
I know when love isn’t love, when it’s taking and taking and taking and taking.
I know when rest is cast out, when it is the thing you need but no one wants to give.
I know when a morning brings tears and tiredness, even before you’ve left your bed.
I know when thoughts race and dictate your day. I know when they go so fast you cannot keep up and feel you have failed.
I know what it feels like, my daughter.
I know you.
And daughter, I love you because I know you. Not because of what you do for me. Not because of how you obey. Not because of a way you look or feel. It’s because I know you.
I know how you smile. I know how your eyes light when I’m with you.
I know your hope, your true ambitions.
I know how you see the gifts I’ve given. I know how you laugh and close your eyes when you see it, receive it, accept it.
I know how your shoulders loosen, how your lungs release and open, release and open, every time I am near.
I know your mind, your beautiful mind that wants beautiful things, for you, for me, for all.
I know the feet that go when it’s hard, where it’s hard. I know the hands that care and create.
I know the breath, the sighs that remember, that usher the next breath, the next step, the new things to create, to do, to be.
My daughter, I love you. I know you. I cannot do anything but love you, see you, know you. Because there is nothing more I want to do.
My love, I will never leave you. Let me wash you today. Let me give to you. Let me take the tears and remove the salt. Let me replenish it within you.
My daughter, you have so much to give, and to so many.
Where you are empty, I will fill. Where you lack, I will provide. Where you are unsure, I AM.
Oh, daughter, I AM.
Do not forget who you are, who I’ve made you. No one can take so much that it disappears. No one can strip you of your title, your real title. No one can stop you, my love.
You have me now, tomorrow, every day, every time.
Because I know you. And I wouldn’t miss it.
Daughter, use that breath I’ve given you to rest. Rest, knowing I AM. When I AM, you are.
Stay close to me, my love. See how I will heal. See how I will change everything. See how loneliness is a lie.
Because I know you.
See Ecclesiastes 7:3.
This link shares just a glimpse of the story God is telling us. When you have time, read a chapter or two around the verse to get the context and see the whole picture. My preferred Bible translation is the New Living Translation, so all links will be in that version.