The longer I am a momma…and even though it hasn’t been that long since the day I became one…there’s something that continues to press on my heart…
Compassion is, perhaps, one of the greatest things we can teach our children.
This picture is one of those…the I-snapped-this-really-quick-with-my-iPhone, kind…and I’ll keep it forever.
Probably frame it and put it where I can look at it every day.
It’s been a hard few weeks.
Just different things that have brought tears…tears that I wish didn’t fall in front of my daughter, but tears she sees anyway.
Yesterday afternoon they rushed in monsoon-like form and there was no hiding them…and so I just let them go in black, smeary streaks all over the place. (I really need to find better eyeliner. Seriously.)
Mommy, what’s wrong?
Nothing, sweetie. Mommy’s just sad.
(She puts her hand on mine.)
There’s a hug in there, and she trots off to find her VBS project, a cute little creation covered with sticky shapes.
And that’s when she brings me a heart and sticks it to my hand.
I love you, Mommy.
Too choked up to even speak, I give her the I-love-you sign and rest it on her hand.
And when she gripped my pinky and held on tight, I was reminded…
That compassion is one of the greatest things I can pass on to her.
She’s learning it, and as much as I’d like to take credit for it all, it isn’t just me. In fact, for the most part, it’s NOT me. 😉
Yesterday I got a tangible glimpse into the hearts of those incredible people who have taken the time to love and invest in my precious girl in just the last few years.
She turns three years old on Friday.
Three years…Wowza.
And I wouldn’t change any of it. Not a bit.
Especially when I see what God is doing in her heart and life.
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So I’ve got a new reason to love Tuesdays. 😉
Don’t worry, friends, I’m still dreaming and pushing toward those dreams…but I’m taking a little break this summer with blogging them out and, instead, and joining another link up, one that my cool, new bloggy-friend, Crystal, came up with.
I love how she describes it…
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner.
“Behind the Scenes” is a fun link up where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it.
I hope you’ll take some time and hop over to her place…last week was a fun party of the hip and the hilarious, with a few tear-jerkers in there, too…some of my dearest bloggy-friends hang out there, and I’d love for you to read their hearts.
This is sweet. Life is hard sometimes, but you’re being a brave mommma by living your life for your girl to see.
Thank you, friend.
Okay you were right I do need a whole box of tissues. I didn’t get a chance to read before I left for work so now I am sitting at my desk with (as my friend says) the snotty cry going. Neer be afraid to let her see you cry because she needs to know it is okay to hurt and that God will comfort us through it. I pray the hard days are few but when they come you will be there to put a sticker on her hand too. Have a great week, friend.
Thank you for pulling out the tissues and taking the time to read my words, Amy, and for blessing me with yours, too. You are a gift, my friend. Wishing you a wonderful week, too.
Oh I love this… and the grace and compassion that comes from child really is the sweetest gift. thanks so much for sharing this story.
Thank you, Tonya…blessings to you!
I love how our littles can show us such love and compassion. My son isn’t always the most gentle or loving, but there are those tender moments like this that I cherish.
I’d write more, but I’m late for work and the kids still need to get dressed 
Love you, friend! Email me if you need anything!!!!
She definitely has her less-than-sweet moments, but this one…yeah, I think it melted me forever. Love to you, friend…I’ll catch you on Twitter or over email soon.
The innocence of our babies and their pure hearts can just undo me sometimes. Love this!
Thank you, Kim! It’s amazing how those moments etch themselves so deeply. I’m grateful.
Blessings!
Beautiful, Mel! Teaching compassion is critical. It is a gift. Love your words, friend!
Thank you, friend! You are a blessing.
Oh my word, that is a sweet girl you’re raising Mel! My heart melts when our little one hands her baby doll (her super cherished most protected possession) to one of us when she thinks we need it. Praying about those tears & the hard story behind them, but so thankful you shared!
The way they show love so young is amazing…thank you for your prayers, friend. They mean so much. Keeping you in mine, too.
So beautiful….in much need of those words today!
Thank you! Blessings, friend!
Love the sticker heart hands. We do smile and cry with our children. Sometimes together…sometimes alone. Such a ride being a mom! Emotions galore! I was just talking with a mom friend on Monday at a park play date…she too had a little one turn three this past week, and she shed tears in realizing how she is growing up. I can so relate! The tears drop at odd times, but it is in the compassion of our children that we know it’s okay to cry…and plug on. Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog today too!
Yes…it IS such a ride…one that I’m so grateful for, and despite those emotions, wouldn’t change for anything. Your words are such a blessing…thank you for taking the time to read mine and share. I hope you have a wonderful week!
Mel I am praying for you and am so glad that your daughter shares your sweet heart!! Hugs to you!!
Thank you for your prayers, sweet friend…you are such a blessing!
Love this idea. I was starting to collect pictures of the messes to post, but I like this better – posting the pretty pictures and only talking about the messes. 😉
You should join us next Tuesday!
I love this. And confession: I cry sometimes in front of my kids, too. Love how they reach out and bring us their best to brighten our days!
Thank you! Isn’t the way they comfort us just heart-melting? It’s beautiful to see how He works in their hearts. Blessings to you!