Beautiful

   I wish I could remember the last time the "Princesses" dined at my table. Had I realized what a fading privilege it was, I would have cooked something special...drawn out dinner a little longer and lingered over a yummy dessert. I would have memorized what they were wearing and how their crowns always sat a bit crooked upon their heads... How they laughed louder and talked bigger as a "princess". These days, the sightings are few and far between. The dress up clothes don't intrigue them like they used to and the "clip clops" have grown a size or two to small. Much to my surprise, I was thrilled to have caught a rare glimpse of one the other day.

Saddler stood in front of the full length mirror, unaware of my presence. Still as a statue, she gazed at her reflection and smiled her approval. She didn't move much. She just stood there taking in the beauty of the princess staring back at her. What she saw pleased her and her eyes shined proudly.
   "Wow. Don't you look pretty!" I exclaimed.
Without taking her eyes off herself she sweetly replied, "I know. I look beautiful."

Fighting the impulse to correct her for saying "i know" instead of "thank you", I just let her stay lost in the beauty and wonder of herself. Soon enough, those eyes that smile with approval will turn critical of what she sees in the mirror. And her grin will be replaced with a scowl. Her heart will be bombarded with lies and  self criticism will replace  self confidence. I want her to remember what it's like to feel beautiful. To feel content in how her Father has fearfully and wonderfully created her.

Her 1st Slumber Party

     She woke me up at the crack of dawn...dressed, smiling, wanting to know how many hours til the party. She began packing her bags at 7 am. Carefully she carried the hand written party invitation from room to room, retrieving each item on the list for a sleep over. A pillow-check. Toothbrush-check. Blanket-check. Toothpaste-huh? oh well, check. A bathing suit-check. And who could forget the pink polka dot sleeping bag. She was ready to go and the clock had not even struck 8:00. 

     All to early, I kissed my Prince goodbye as he hit the road for a quick business trip. The day loomed before me and I doubted if I would make it to the golden hour of 4 o'clock when the slumber party began. If I heard it once, I heard it 53,549 times-"how many minutes til we leave? Is it time? Why is the day going so slow?" I wondered the same. Finally, the time drew near and I realized that this was a milestone in her life I was about to miss. I had not prepared her. She's never spent the night away from home except with family. (Though she is extremely extroverted and a social butterfly, she's my most clingy child. She's my shadow. I literally step on her multiple times a day.)  What if she gets homesick? Ugh. I remember that dreaded feeling. I remember having a "tummy ache" or headache or any other ailment I could concoct to get back to my house. I started the pep talk making sure to cover all the important bases-be kind, use good manners, honor the Lord with your words, don't talk about others, build others up don't tear them down, serve your friends, obey.... She eagerly responded and I was proud of the little lady she's become. "Oh, and Ellie, if you get homesick and start missing us, I don't think I will be able to come get you. Dad's out of town. If you just think you can't stand it til morning, tell Mrs. K and call me."

Then she said something I hope I never forget. She said, "Don't worry mom. I am sure I will have a great time. And don't worry, if I do get homesick, I will just pray! Besides, I've gone through the whole house and memorized every room in case I miss home. And when I miss you and Daddy, I will just pray and God will be right there with me."

There are no words to describe how my heart felt....I realize this is just a sleep-over. She's literally 6 miles down the road with church/school friends. But to me, its a piece of my heart walking around outside of my body and I'm not used to this feeling yet. Today its her 1st slumber party, tomorrow she'll be leaving for college. And nothing would make me feel better about the whole situation than if she'd handle it like she handled today-"don't worry mom, I'll just pray."

May all my little chicks find comfort in the everlasting arms of their loving Father.