Somewhere in Central Texas, a little girl dropped her head in shame. Her mother was oversharing, again, to the waitress at a random 2 for 1 Mexican restaurant on a Sunday afternoon…
It took me years to appreciate my mother’s openness. I sometimes wonder how my girls will feel about mine. The fact is, though, that my mother’s openness helped to define me. I hope that my girls will be defined by mine.
Cause it’s better to be real.
When my girls are grown and they think back on what they’ve learned from me, I hope they’ll credit me with teaching them to apologize without using the word, “but”. I hope they’ll learn to take responsibility for their actions without holding other’s over their heads. I hope they’ll learn courage. I pray they’ll learn to forsake [giggle in the face of] worldly wisdom for the true wisdom that comes from God.
By the time my little ladies leave the nest, I pray they’ll know the difference between happiness and joy. And I trust they’ll choose joy in all circumstances.
No matter how far they roam, I pray they’ll be in no doubt of their parents’ love for them. I pray they’ll know unconditional love.
When my girls are women, I pray they’ll find something to fight for. Something big. And I pray they’ll hold fast no matter the cost. I know they will. They’re my girls. And I’m so grateful to God for the privilege of raising them. The mistakes I’ve made thus far are innumerable. It’s a good thing there is immeasurable forgiveness in their little great big hearts.
They’ve reminded me of silliness and late night giggles…of pink nail polish and imaginary tea. They’re little rays of hope when the world is darkened, and I know I’m not the only recipient destined for that gift. From them, I have learned forgiveness, grace, strength, faith and courageous beauty.
I pray they’ll learn the same from me. I pray they’ll learn those things, not just from listening to my words, but from watching me.
Like the life they breathe into their playthings…and like their favorite bedtime story. I pray they’ll know deeply the love of their Father. And I pray His love will make them REAL.
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