The weirdest thing about raising kids is when you look over expecting to see a wild haired, free-spirit child next to you and instead you see a young woman who is full of beauty and grace.
Out of all my kids, so far this is the one that’s surprised me the most. I remember almost having to hold her down to brush her hair. The outfits that she would pick out probably be placed in the circus hall of fame. When deciding what clothes when she was younger, we knew that anything really colorful and slightly unpleasing to the eye would make her deliriously happy.
But now in that wild child’s place stands a young woman who doesn’t go with fashion trends but finds things she loves and cherishes them. The other day she found an old 90’s style women’s suit at the thrift store. After bargaining them down a bit, she came home and put on the pencil skirt with a cute t-shirt. The next day she wore the blazer with jeans.
She blows me away with the outfits she picks because just like her, they’re lovely but completely her own. She doesn’t try to fit into today’s trends, she’s happy in her own place.
She knows who she is, unabashedly joyful and kind.
And so… if you’re chasing a little girl with a hairbrush today or trying to get her to take off the fairy wings before leaving for church, have hope (and let her rock the wings).
Because let me tell you, that grit and assuredness in herself is a gift. Just watch out for Cheeto stealing pigeons.
One day, those fairy wings will no longer fit. She’ll stand as tall as you are and occasionally wear a blow-up dinosaur costume instead. But she’ll know who she is and in today’s world, that’s rare.
So today just isn’t Easter at our house, it’s the big #13 for our middle surprise.
And if you think I’m crying, you are so right.
Now I only have one child that’s under 13. If you need me, I’ll be over here swaddling the dog. Don’t laugh, he likes it.
I do hope that you all have a blessed Easter. He is Risen!
