Everyday, something about you makes me smile. I am always amazed and inspired by your curiosity for God and his Word and the application of it to life. I also get to watch you love on Eli and Kaylee. You help when I ask, and more than that, you offer to help. Girl, you are a sweet gift.
Today, when you didn't know I was watching, you made me smile so big tears welled in my eyes.
We were in the car line at school. You put your coat on and grabbed your bag that was heavy with a book, lunch box, Thermos, and a water bottle. I handed you the envelope you needed to turn in to join the Princess Club. After a hug and two kisses (and a cough in my face!), you turned to hurry through the cold air into the building.
I like when I am parked in a place where I can see you walk all the way to the door. You don't always turn around to wave and sign I love you, but I watch every time, so I don't miss it when you do. I had a great front space today, love. I knew I could watch your pigtails bob as you hurriedly made it inside. What I didn't know was that I also had the perfect spot to see your heart.
There was a boy on the curb holding a poster advertising for sweet treats (Valentine's Day candy grams you can send your friends), and a stack of the paper cards to fill out. Just before you hopped up the curb, his papers went flying everywhere. Other children were passing by, they didn't stop. Without missing a beat, you did stop and bent to gather what he had dropped. Down and up you went, though you were cold and already loaded down yourself, collecting those pieces. A few moments later, one other child joined in your efforts. I wanted so badly for you to turn and look at me! I would have given you a big smile and two thumbs up. : ) I even considered parking and walking down the hall to where I knew you'd be sitting outside your class to tell you I saw what you did, and how I was so proud of you...but there were no spaces available.
So, I am telling you now what a blessing it is to see Jesus in you. Stopping to help - that's what he would've done, you know? How beautiful to see you love and serve! How often am I in too big of a rush, or feel too loaded down with my own life to notice or to stop and help when someone (a stranger at that) is in need? Thank you for the reminder, sweet Lil, to be aware and willing to serve. What you have done for this boy, you have also done for Jesus.
I love you,
Mommy
7 comments:
This is so beautiful. You have me in tears.
What a precious little girl you have. And writing this out is priceless - what a sweet gift for you to give to your little girl who will grow up to treasure it.
You are such an inspiring mother.
Jen - this may be my favorite post from you. I'll be honest, I'm terrified of being a mom - I fear that I'll mess up, that my child won't love the Lord and I won't know what to do - thank you for this beautiful picture that reminds us that ultimately, our children aren't ours. They're just ours for a little while and that God works in and through them when our human efforts at times fall short.
I may have to read this one again...
the tears are falling. what a special moment! thanks so much for sharing with us all.
Sweet!!
jo
Jen, I am tearful and thankful at this moment. How wonderful that we have family raising their children to be lovers of Christ. These are such sweet days as our children demonstrate baby steps of faith. Love you guys.
Ok, I'm bawling like a baby. Lily is such a sweet girl and I KNOW where she learned to be like that. You are such an example. It's no wonder you have such a great daughter!
Hey Jen! You made a pregnant woman cry! :) This is one of the sweetest, most precious letters I've ever read from a mom to her child. Thanks for sharing! Lily is such a sweet little girl! Wonder where she gets her sweet demeanor/manners from? Both of her parents! You set a beautiful example for me, as a mom. There are so many days I wonder if I'm doing anything right, but then I see women like you & the outcome of their children's lives & see I can do this! God is so good! I'm so grateful for your friendship. God bless you & your precious family!
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