"Daughter"

Here is a daughter as marvelous as glittering gems, fleeting as the passing
of the seasons yet still, like the stars in the heavens, fixed in her
foundation.

With her comes the joy of a bright summer day. It begins with the breaking
of dawn following an ominous night, subtle at first glimpse, like a
solitary candle in the wilderness. Those who harken to it become stricken
with hope; hope of a good only but a blessed few know. Steadily it waxes
and matures to a soft summer morning until…

Here is a daughter as marvelous as glittering gems, fleeting as the passing of the seasons, yet still, like the stars in the heavens, fixed in her foundation.

With her comes the joy of a bright summer day. It begins with the breaking of dawn following an ominous night, subtle at first glimpse, like a solitary candle in a barren wilderness. Those who harken to it become stricken with hope; hope of a good only but a blessed few know. Steadily it waxes, maturing to a soft summer morning until it grows more absolute, burning bright as the mid-day sun. With its warmth, that which is good is brought into its fullness and made bountiful.

Much flourishes here for a time. But as it must be with all things, what is edifying must be tempered so that what else exists may not spoil. So to bring balance, the intense joy she brings wanes and is supplemented with her soothing spirit. Like that of a cool autumn breeze it is able to calm the most violent of storms in the hearts of those whom she meets and, even more-so, those whom she knows. For her disposition is as smooth as marble, and her tender heart is gentle.

Her facet inspires awe like the early fall foliage, each quality as intricate and unique as every individual leaf. Yet, when seen as one whole it transforms into a mosaic of beautiful hues, a kaleidoscope of rich color. Walking beneath her shaded canopy is to experience the vibrant nature of her very essence. During the day it swells with sounds from many flowing forest rivers and birds of song. In the evening it hums with the steady chirp of crickets and the soft glow of countless fireflies. It is here where rest may be found within many small glades, upon grass as soft as silk. Beyond the trees the sailor’s moon glides across the night sky against the backdrop of gleaming stars shining like diamonds, refracting the emanating light of angels.

Now, while she shares many of her gifts with others freely, hidden beneath it all she shores up her most valued treasure, safe from harm in a mighty and holy place indeed - a fortress of pure starlight. Surrounded by a radiance as white as freshly fallen snow, it is fatal to treacherous outsiders; they who live in the shadows but cannot exist without feeding on what is bright. They look to come as thieves in the dead of night or bring malicious onslaughts from the darkest corners of the surrounding world. But their own destruction is all they will gain when entering this frozen tundra.

Filled with infinite pools of emotion, her discerning eyes guard this realm’s gate. They pierce the soul. How mysterious are the untold stories of her past? They vex thoughts and confound the reader. Laughter, hope, love, pain - all are present behind the thin veil of watershed filament. Oh, to catch a glimpse of the enduring flame which lies there! What wonder awaits the one who can?

In this winter fortress she brings all her doubts and despairs, finding peace and comfort. It is here where lies her heart - the unfailing spring from which flows the living water, the source which gives life to all who seek it. She protects it with her prudence, strength, and dignity; the raiment gifted for her defense. None can avail this realm through cunning or force.

But if fate is kind, blessed may a son who resonates this daughter's same heart of faith yet find safe passage in his guided wanderings to her treasure. There they may meet, and drifting into a dream together can become like new. And in this new life there will bloom a surpassing love, a small touch of heaven, revered by all who are shown - above all, by the Father who made them.