Give It Time

Dearest Macy,
We recently became pet owners again. This time, we listened to you tell us how much you wanted a furry little friend of your own. You even went as far to write out a list of potential names based on the color coating of fur.
At first, your dad and I were not exactly thrilled over the prospects of additional responsibility and costs that come along with pet ownership. Well then came talk of guinea pigs. We listened to your speech about how you'd be so happy and willing to love and care for your pet if given the chance. Daddy and I discussed it. My theory was that having a pet guinea pig would teach you valuable life lessons in sacrifice and responsibility as you nurture, care, clean, and maintain your pet's environment.

So we ventured out to the pet stores and found "Oreo". Absolutely adorable 6mth old guinea pig. The sales associate at pet store gave us plenty of instructions, she advised us not to handle Oreo for the first 2 days while he adjusts to his new home.
By the 2nd day, I was ready to cradle this furry little fellow in my hands. As I drew closer to his cage you quickly reminded me "Mom, he's just starting to trust us. Don't go over there and ruin it!" I froze in my steps, slowly stepped away as I felt the weight of your words...to give it time.

Within a few days, we were cuddling and carrying Oreo around in our hands. It's been such a joy for us watching you take time to gain his trust- consistently loving and caring for his needs

Lately you've shared with me some discouragement you experienced with friendships. We all have the need to feel love and accepted. Just as we've been learning with Oreo, trust comes in gradual stages. When you are uncertain how or when to respond in relationships, often best to give it time...

Remembering Easter morning last week, when mommy went walking on the golf course in the early hours to see the sunrise in my bedhead, pajama bottoms, and sweatshirt. Not expecting to see anyone, until young Brandon (golf maintenance man) showed up, asked me to jump in his cart for a ride. We had great chat on a glorious morning. The last words Brandon said to me:

 "Thank you for spending some time with me today."

So always remember your family and friends love you. Resist the temptation to become restless in relationships...just give it time.

 Most of all my dear daughter, God loves you. He intends for you to believe and trust Him by relying on Him at all times.

"In quietness and trust is your strength" ~Isaiah 30:15

We are so proud of you Macy. We love you with all our heart.

Love Always. Forever. To the moon and back.

Mommy

Love isn't perfect, love is available.

Dearest Macy,

Do you ever wonder why the God of love does the extraordinary in us and through us?
Love is something special. Love is something we trust, treasure, and celebrate. Valentines Day is a vivid reminder that it takes more than one day on the calender to communicate our expressions of love and say, "I love you."

Even on those difficult days when there is friction in friendships. God's spirit of love opens our hearts with humility and forgiveness. Praying our prayers, we let God's love be the bond that restores and strengthens relationships. In doing so, God will be glorified.

Recently, during a visit with one of your teachers-she shared a story that touches her heart and mine as well.
There is a sweet boy sitting next to you in class named Jose'. His family moved to the United States 3 years ago from the Dominican Republic. His parents do not speak English. He struggles with learning English and needs additional instructional help during class. Your teacher advised me you've "taken him right under your wing". You do all your 'center work' together, you encourage him and respond patiently to him,  you've taken extra time in helping him understand the questions your teachers are asking during lessons. We can't imagine how hard it has been for Jose'- 4th grader fitting into a new school in a foreign country.
Now I see more clearly your sudden interest in Spanish that led to buying you a student version Spanish/English dictionary in the bookstore 2 weeks ago :)
We are so proud of you for going the extra mile- being a soft place for someone else to land on a rough day.

God looks on us through eyes of love. Perfect love. The more we embrace His love, the more trusting and available we become to celebrate the greatness and goodness of His love with the world around us.
So remember, always take the high road and walk in love.

Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love~  1 Corinthians 13

Happiest of Valentines Days Dear Daughter.
You are loved by God and us...always and forever.
Love,
Mom