Life Unscripted

Tonight, it happened. Enjoying spending time with our 5-year-old making a tree frog out of a toilet paper tube, and I find myself being critical of her. She’s so proud of her solid green frog she’s painted, glued together and drawn a face on and I’m judging it. How…could…I…

This little Jesus-loving-girl who has stolen my heart long before she made her grand entrance into this world made something beautiful. She was so excited to see the finished product and smiling because I let her search Pinterest to choose the perfect tree frog to construct. And in my mind I was trying to make it better, as if I wasn’t convinced when she gave it her stamp of approval.

Kendyl is such a unique child. Her love for Jesus and people truly leave me speechless. It definitely magnifies the scripture in Proverbs 22:6 that says “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

We pray for ambulances and firetrucks that are speeding past us with sirens blazing down the highway. If someone’s car is broken down on the side of the road, she pipes up from the backseat asking if we can help them. A lady at the flea market dropped her purse and contents went flying everywhere. My hands are full of our lunch trays and drinks but Kendyl ran to her rescue – without batting an eye. I cannot tell you how proud I am to have the honor of being this girl’s mom.

You see, I’m a perfectionist. I get it honest. I’m a grammar freak and almost OCD with some things, and it drives me batty. I’m constantly trying to find ways to improve things and I must be heard. Kendyl, my darling mini-me, has inherited the same genes. Help..us..Lord..

But one thing God spoke so heavy to my heart through such a simple homework assignment – you can’t live your issues through your children. How many times are we guilty of pushing our kids to the limit? Then what? They’re broken and feel like they don’t measure up to our high standards. And if they can’t measure up to Mom and Dad’s standards, will they ever feel they can measure up to God’s?

One thing life experiences have taught me, God is an individual God. He cares so deeply about every intricate detail of our life. He knows our likes and dislikes, successes and failures. And He uses our children to convict our hearts when we need a little work around the edges.

Can I be transparent with you today? I’m not perfect. I was really hard on myself today for the thought of trying to push my way on Kendyl. Trust me, God caught me before I did. I asked her if she wanted to add anything else to it and she smiled happily and said, “Nope!” Before I could open my mouth to interject my thoughts, it was as if God gently placed His hand over my lips and quieted me.

I don’t want to break my children of their God-given abilities and talents. Just because your child may do things a little differently than you doesn’t mean their wrong. I’m not talking major moral issues here. I’m simply saying don’t make an ant hill into Mt. Everest.

I pray God keeps me humble in this area. He’s teaching me that I can’t make her into a better kid version of me. She’s not me. God created her in His image just as He did me, but she’s a different person. I have to let her be herself and pray God shows me how to help mold her into the little God-girl He’s created her to be.

Have I said I’m proud to be her mom? I love this girl. God knew what He was doing when He blessed us with this little spunk muffin. I know you’re proud of your little rock star too. Let’s hold these little hearts gently. They get damaged so easily.

Live Life Unscripted,

❤ Brittany

Us on Easter Sunday ❤