As a mother I am both humbled and amazed by this little person who used to reside somewhere between my belly button and my spine. I am overwhelmed when I consider all that I have learned through her. Is she an ordinary kid? Well judging by the roller skates on the stairs and fingerprints on the windows I'd have to concede....she's average. On the other hand at 7 yrs. of age I have seen glimpses of what an extroardinary woman she will become. She has great compassion for the sick and the elderly, a strong desire to serve God, and dogmatic determination. Shortly after viewing our home that was under 12 feet of mud, oil, and water I decided to talk to her about being sad. She was trying to be brave, but I wanted her to understand that it was normal to cry a little. She was only 5 at the time so even though I was hysterical inside I had to remain calm. I started by telling her I missed many of our friends who were still scattered all over the country. I missed my routine and yes I missed all of my scrapbooks. She was deep in thought for some time and then the tears came. "I miss MaCole." That was the name she had given her stuffed giraffe. The same 3 ft. tall giraffe whom she insisted on carrying to church for the longest because, " giraffes need to learn about Jesus too!"
That was it. One statement, "I miss MaCole" accompanied by several crocodile tears. My heart was in my throat. I didn't speak for fear I would start sobbing and make things worse. After a few seconds of silence she wiped her eyes, put a smile on he face, and said, "but you know what?...thinking about that makes me sad and I don't want to be sad so I'm not going to think about that any more." I sat amazed thinking....If only I could have that same attitude. She was quoting scripture to me in her own little words. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise think on these things." Wow....out of the mouth of babes! It is my responsibility to teach her and yet so many times I find that she is teaching me also.
That was it. One statement, "I miss MaCole" accompanied by several crocodile tears. My heart was in my throat. I didn't speak for fear I would start sobbing and make things worse. After a few seconds of silence she wiped her eyes, put a smile on he face, and said, "but you know what?...thinking about that makes me sad and I don't want to be sad so I'm not going to think about that any more." I sat amazed thinking....If only I could have that same attitude. She was quoting scripture to me in her own little words. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise think on these things." Wow....out of the mouth of babes! It is my responsibility to teach her and yet so many times I find that she is teaching me also.
4 comments:
If we could be like children, maybe all of our problems would be solved more simply.
Kristi
out of the mouths of babes indeed. *sigh*
Hi, I enjoyed your comment. Thanks so much for dropping by. Where in Louisiana do you live? Just wondering if we are anywhere near each other.
i am in Ponchatoula. My husband works in LaPlace. I actually just started teaching violin again after a long break. I am so happy to be back into it again. I'll be dropping by again I'm sure. Hope to hear from you again. :)
your're right. i didn't mean sound so mean about it. i just think that sometimes we put to much stress on ourselves by trying to do everything which leads us to make unhealthy choices in our foods and so busy that we don't have time to think or really reflect on what life is about. i'll be following up later. thanks for the reminder to be more tactful.
Post a Comment