It’ s been a bu
sy weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Schroeder were here yesterday and part of today, so Maelie had plenty of love and attention, which she was just fine with! We also had some other things going on, and tonight Mae was across the street with our friends for a couple hours.
By the time I walked in the door with her at 8:23 p.m., I didn’t feel like I’d really spent much time with her over the weekend.
Before I tucked her in tonight, I decided she needed a longer story time. (And maybe some extra cuddles, too.) We read one of her favorites, Goodnight Moon, which we read at least once a week.
Then I pulled a book off the shelf that we hadn’t read yet, The Twelve Gifts of Birth. In fact, the book was given to me, probably ten years ago, and I’d never read it.
It was beautiful…a special moment to read this book with Maelie.
Even though I’m pretty sure it’s a secular book, the values in it are things that I would, and often do, pray for my daughter as she grows up.
As I read through each of these tonight, my heart filled with hope as I imagined this little girl, who right now fits on my lap but will soon grow up to learn and demonstrate each of these in her life.
*Strength: May you remember to call on God always.
*Beauty: May it be shown each day in your life as you live out your faith.
*Courage: May you speak and act with confidence and use courage as you follow the path God h
as for you.
Compassion: May you be gentle with yourself and others. May you forgive those who hurt you and yourself when you make mistakes.
*Hope: Through each passage and season, may you trust in the goodness of God.
Joy: May it keep your heart open and filled with light.
*Talent: May you discover your own special abilities and use them to glorify God.
Imagination: May it nourish your visions and dreams.
Reverence: May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation.
*Wisdom: Guiding your way, wisdom will lead you through knowledge to understanding.
May you hear His voice.
Love: It will grow each time you give it away.
*Faith: May you believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ.
Quotes taken from The Twelve Gifts of Birth, by Charlene Constanzo.
(*And modified by me. :))
Out of all the times we share together, praying for my daughter is the most special. I’m so excited to watch God’ s plan for her unfold.
