Like anyone who loves to write, I often dream of writing a book. But what would I write about? My life? Although, I think my life has been remarkable, I doubt that it would make for a fascinating read. How about all my knowledge and wisdom? Talk about a short story! Maybe fiction? I feel like it’s all been done before. So I continue to dream, and maybe one day… we’ll see.
In the meantime, perhaps I can tell you a story about a woman I know. I’ve known this woman for a long time. I actually was there when she was born. When she was a baby, she cried a lot. Not sure why, but I do know that her mom was really overwhelmed with her new responsibilities. This was her first child, and she didn’t know anything about taking care of a baby. But somehow the two of them managed, quite often to her mother’s surprise. It’s a funny thing about raising a child when you’re clueless – everyone has advice and they are readily willing to share it, but none of it is the same. So it seems that childrearing is pretty much trial and error. And that is certainly how this woman was raised.
What I remember about her early years is that she was cute, smart, and a little timid. She liked puzzles and baby dolls. She loved her grandmothers. She liked to dance and dress up. She would often wear colorful mismatched outfits that she picked out for herself. Her mom would just smile. I remember one time she got a new pair of boots, which I guess she must have liked because she wore them all the time, even to bed. Her mom would have to sneak in after she was asleep and take them off. Even as a small girl, this woman was tenderhearted. She hated to see anyone be sad or get hurt. (And that hasn’t changed!)
Her school years were up and down. She had a hard time starting first grade. It was new school, and she was afraid. Her mom, not knowing what else to do, followed the school’s instructions to leave her with the teacher and walk away even though she was crying. But her mom basically had no choice because she would be crying too. But eventually it all worked out and the little girl excelled in school. She changed schools a couple more times, and I think each time had its trials, but overall she did well in her studies.
As it is with many mothers and daughters, she and her mom were somewhat estranged during her teenage years. They still talked and did things together, but there was a little distance between them. It was a difficult time, but they got through it. I remember her and her mom being out to lunch with a group of friends, including another mother and daughter. The two girls were both stunning in their own unique way. As I watched them talking together, I realized that neither knew how beautiful they were. Of course that is not unusual, youth seldom sees with the heart – that generally comes with age. What they also didn’t see was a young man walk into a wall because he was staring at them!
I watched this girl grow into a woman and get even more beautiful through the years. She is an amazing mother now with children of her own. She is a good wife and a faithful Christian. She is industrious, energetic, and generous to a fault. She runs her own business and takes good care of her family. And we are friends, which is the joy and rejoicing of my heart.
I suspect that you may have already guessed that I am talking about my daughter. She has grown into a wonderful woman, and I am very proud of her. I praise God for her life because I know it was His grace that covered for all my mistakes as a mom. It was God’s strength that got us through the hard times, and it is His love that binds us together now and forever.
I love the relationship that we share now. And even though she lives in another state, and I don’t get to see her as much as I’d like, our hearts are knit together because she is not only my daughter, but also my sister in Christ.
My prayer for all mothers and daughters (and sisters, aunts, grandmothers etc.) is that they can share the relationship of being sisters in Christ in addition to the family bond. Standing together on God’s Word is an exceedingly joyful privilege that makes any relationship more beautiful. And standing together with our children warms a mother’s heart like nothing else can.
Note to my readers: God bless you. Thanks for reading!