It was a perfect day for a drive in the country, following a busload of fourth graders headed to a field trip.
Field trips are an adventure my daughters and I embark on together, visiting places and experiencing things we otherwise might not.
As the years pass, I realize that these opportunities will come less often, so we revel in the sunshine, study snakes in the reptile house, feed the animals, learn about honey bees, enjoy a picnic, stumble our way through the fun house and visit the gift shop.
She’s happy that I’m here. She walks beside me, sometimes running off when a friend calls, but always finding me again. I enjoy talking to her classmates, seeing her interact with them. I am thrilled that they know me as her mom, because that’s one of my most cherished titles.
These days are precious; her ears, her mind and her heart are open to the principles I seek to convey. I long for it to stay this way, and pray that the teenage years, approaching all too quickly now, will only bring us closer.
For in the tilt of her nose, the flutter of her eyelashes, the smile on her lips, I see the same baby girl I held in my arms what seems like just moments ago.
Linked to Tuesdays Unwrapped hosted by Chatting at the Sky.
oh, that last line got me. i know, i pray the same thing for my sweet little girl. she's not as close to those years as yours, but i feel them coming, none the less. a lot of times i dread the teen years, as everyone speaks of them so harshly. though yesterday, i was so encouraged. one of my friends who has older teens said the greatest thing. she said, that i was doing all the really hard work now, so that when they get to be teens, i can simply sit back and enjoy who they've become. i was so grateful for the refreshing thought…that maybe, just maybe, we'll have more good days than bad. and more laughter than tears. i'm sure we'll have a lot of both…but i just want more hugs than fights. more coming to jesus and less giving the devil a foothold.
Precious post. Our daughters are close in age and I understand those feelings so well. I was able to tag along on a field trip with my oldest last week. They don't always "have room" for parents here so I was glad I could be there.
I've been thinking about my little 5-year-old guy, and how open he is to hearing what we tell him, how very malleable he is right now. Please, God, let me get it right in these years.
What a beautiful post! They grow all too quick. We definitely have to teach them to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
what wonderful and encouraging words to read! I am becoming aware of how aware my 2 year old is – and am striving to raise her up the right way! blessings to you!