Sunday, December 20, 2009

Dear Future Grown Up Daughter...

Dear Grown Up Faith,
When you were little, you cried, fussed and whined all.the.time. If you didn't have anything to fuss about, you'd find a bump on your neck, a scratch on your thumb, something, anything to lament about. This morning in church, you really didn't like the dress and new tights. You were itching everywhere. And when you weren't itching, you were telling me you were thirsty. On the way to the bathroom, you were greeted by several people who love you. You did not have time for them. You didn't even acknowledge their comments about how pretty you looked today. In the bathroom, you fussed because I insisted on helping you lift up your dress because if it dipped in the toilet, the fussing that would follow would be even more painful than the fussing that happened while I lifted your dress. We had a reprieve as you sat at the tables and colored during family LifeShaping. But, then, while holding your candy cane, it broke. And everyone heard about it. Especially during Pastor Larry's prayer.

You were happy on the way home. This was wonderful. In the old days, like about 2 weeks ago, you would've fussed all the way home about something. When we got home, I made the mistake of mentioning that we were going to pack away the Vick's machine after nap. You are all better, no more cold! And..yes..you fussed about this as well.

My prayer for you dear daughter, that all of this attention that you give to details, will serve you well as an adult. Perhaps you will be a nurse, and be sensitive to people who complain, or maybe you'll be a teacher and that child that nobody else can handle, you will have special insight into. Or, maybe you will be a stay at home mom, and God will bless you with a child like yourself. I'll take her for you for a few hours and with great joy, I will hand her back. But most of all, I hope you know how much Jesus loves you. And that life will never be perfect because as Daddy says, "It's all broken." And if you feel like fussing as an adult I pray that you will take it to the cross. For right now, I'm doing that for you and for myself. That..and will someone hand me some advil, please.

6 comments:

jniathome said...

How precious that you care so much for Faith that you would think about her future in such a precious way. She is so blessed to have you for a mom. Love you

kristi noser said...

Excellent, excellent post. The angst and anxiety you face daily is something no one wants, but you handle it with great grace. I applaud your parenting, Sheri. You are one of God's best mamas.

zcoffeegirl said...

jniathome...thank you for your encouragement. i'm embarrassed to day..I can't see your picture and I don't know who you are! I'm sure when you tell me your name, I'll remember your blogger name. Sorry..and thanks.

Kristi...as always..you love me up with your mama love. Sweetness.

Kara Jo said...

Wonderful Wonderful post, Sheri. I laughed ("especially during Pastor Larry's prayer") and then almost cried, too. Great perspective.

Carla said...

Didn't even hear your daughter during the prayer as I was dealing with Mr. Fuss. Need to get started on my letter.....:)

I love this. You see the big picture, Sheri!!

theswamphare said...

Funny how 'Advil' and 'anvil' are so similar...