A lovely dress is hanging in my room waiting to be mended. Olivia wore it in kindergarten, and it ripped at a wedding reception. Evelyn will wear it to the ballet on Saturday. It just hit me how long ago my oldest daughter wore that dress. She's now in 4th grade. In the same number of years, she'll be an eighth grader. The next jump will make her a senior in high school. How does this happen? How will her dresses transform over the course of those years? Who will my child become? I'm saddened by the realization that my little girl will grow up, even when every waking breath is spent helping her grow into the best version of herself possible. Life is funny like that.
Yesterday a boy was trying to keep Vivian and Evelyn off the play equipment after school. I gave them some time to work out the conflict, then I gently reminded the boy that everyone gets to share the playground. Henry took matters into his own hands. He climbed UP the slide. He appeared next to the boy and proudly proclaimed, "Hey, (name), my classmate. Those are MY sistuhs! They get to play up here too. Step aside, Captain!" I was so proud of him I could have burst!! The boy yielded, and the girls got to venture up to the top of the play set, which he had guarded as though it was his personal territory. When I expressed my gratitude to my young son for protecting his sisters' interests, he said, "I will always protect them." God bless Henry.
The funniest thing Henry has done lately involves clothing selections. Here are his best outfits...
Red race t-shirt with lime green basketball shorts
Ironman costume (size 4-6) with Tow Mater costume on top (size 3T) - both have puffed chests!!
undies, PJs, football pants, baseball pants, and four pairs of basketball shorts = 9 Layers on bottom
Ironman costume with T. Rex over the top - He put an Ironman face mask on the T. Rex's head.
My high point of the weekend was when we had the opportunity to go to a chapel to pray for a dear friend who was going to share the story of her life and faith journey with a group. We gathered around her, placed our hands upon her shoulders, and prayed. The big girls were at open gym with friends. As I began the St. Teresa prayer, Henry and Vivian joined me line by line, and it was absolutely tender-hearted and moving.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities born of faith.
May you use those gifts you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, love, and listen.
It is there for each of us.
Amen.
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