Shine Like Lights
When I reflect on the gifts I have in my life, there are many. I have faithful Parents who have provided me with many great memories. My Grandparents, whom I relish my relationships with, even those who have passed. A myriad of other family members with whom I celebrate life’s milestones and variety of friends I’ve experienced life with over the years. Then there is my husband, my compass, my rock. Though he is who I learn the most about God’s love from, it is my girls who teach me who I want to be.
When they were small and they’d cry or say “Mom” it didn’t matter where we were, I’d recognize their call. I could look into a crowd of kids on a playground and I’d be able to find them as though I had known exactly where they were and it continues to be so even as they are adults. There is a bond that keeps us connected as though our hearts send out a signal that only we know.
I supposed someone could argue there is not a special honing signal buried in our hearts, rather it’s a connection that stems from familiarity. It’s the many hours spent watching them at dance recitals, playing sports and singing at the school Christmas concerts. Parents zoom in on their own child to watch with pride and give a little wave of reassurance that you see them when they look your way.
In recent years as my daughters have moved out from under our roof and onto their next stages in life’s journey, I still find joy in watching them. When they come to visit, I can see them light up and something in me awakens too. It’s like flipping on a light switch in a room where you haven’t been in a while. You tend to see things perhaps in a different way or for the first time.
It’s been one of my greatest joys raising these girls. I taught them practical things like how to sew and bake. We’d read and play games and paint our nails. Through the years, I tried to teach them how to be a good person but I wasn’t always a good example.
I see in them my good traits and my bad ones. I see them struggle with things I had struggled with and I see them strive for things I’d never dared to dream. I find myself in awe of each of them as they navigate life decisions and interact with others.
Now watching them as adults, I find our roles beginning to reverse. When they were children, they would look to me for direction and approval. They would come to me to show them how to do something new or to help with a project. These days, I tend to be the one seeking their approval and asking for their ideas and opinions.
When I look at them, I see who I want to be. They are my role models. I want to be confident and friendly like my oldest daughter. I want to be determined and disciplined like my middle daughter. I want to be stylish and bold like my baby. They inspire me.
They do give me more confidence, motive me to be more disciplined and give me permission to be bold. They remind me of my purpose in life, to be the best Mom I can for them. Then in doing so, my light shines more brightly because give praise and glory to God for the wonderful gifts he’s given to me!
