It's no secret that some days with Karsyn are a struggle. She is strong-willed and loves a good battle with me over things like what shoes she will wear, brushing her hair or teeth, or sometimes even which cup I give her to drink out of. However, I am gradually seeing the really challenging days decrease and the easier, fun days increase. We have prayed since K was born for her to have a 'happy heart and a sweet spirit'. In fact, we've prayed this so often with K that now she at times will even pray it for herself. We are starting to get glimpses into her little heart and to hear things that remind us that she really IS listening and learning what we are trying to teach her.
Last night was one of those times. As we drove to church for K's Puggles class we talked about how she should behave. About how it's important that she listens to her teachers, that she remembers to use the potty, to take turns, to share, and to be a sweet girl. Then we talked about who all she might see there and can play with. K was very upset when I reminded her that her best friend Mollie was sick and couldn't be there, but she quickly moved on to another topic and seemed to have forgotten about it by the time I dropped her off.
When I went back to get K after church, one of her teachers, Ms. Shannon was waiting to talk to me. She said, "Karsyn was so sweet tonight. We were talking around the table about different things and mentioned that Mollie was sick. Karsyn said, 'we need to pray for her'. Ms. Shannon told her that yes, they would pray for her when they did their prayer time. She said that K insisted that they pray "RIGHT NOW", then she folded her little hands, closed her eyes, and started praying for Jesus to make Mollie feel better.
She is also starting to remember the Bible stories they are learning at church, to be able to tell me stories from her picture Bible that we read at home each day, and to say short scripture verses. When we were talking yesterday afternoon about her verse for this month "Let the little children come to me", I asked her how we do that. She told me very matter-of-factly that if you want Jesus, "You just ask Him, Mommy!". There have been times when Mack has to get shots at the doctor when she folds her little hands, squints her eyes shut and starts praying fervently for Mack to not hurt 'too bad' and for it to be over soon. When she is afraid at night in her room, she can tell me that "God is with her wherever she goes" and "Do not be afraid".
I am so proud of the little girl that she is turning into and for the wonderful people that help teach her Biblical truths that will stick with her for life. We are blessed with amazing, selfless women who serve as her Sunday School teachers, pre-school teachers, Critterland helpers, Puggles teachers, VBS workers, family members and friends that are showing her each day who Jesus is.
My prayer for her in my quiet time each day is that she will come to know Him, to love Him, and to seek to serve Him above all else. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have right now to be home with her and to be able to try my best to demonstrate to her Christ's love each day.
To any of you reading who have taken a part in loving K, teaching K, or just supporting us during those 'difficult' days...THANK YOU! I am sure there will be more ahead, but am trusting in God's word that we should train up our children in the way they should go and when they are grown they will not depart from it!
This brought tears to my eyes... We too have a VERY strong willed little girl and there have been days over the last week that I have felt helpless in showing her why we shouldnt do the things that she does... this gives me hope in knowing that through all the screams, tantrums and hitting, that she is hearing what we are trying to teach her about Jesus and how HE would behave. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for the glimpses of her happy heart and gentle spirit! These are prayers of mine for my little girl too :) And what joy when we see the prayers answered!!!!
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