I'm In Denial: Update

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." ~Albert Einstein

So, I guess I'm finding out that if this is the beginning of preteen years, it comes with the hard times and good times. Since I already shared some of the hard, let me share some of the good!

The other day the kids and I stopped at Food Lion. Caleb was asleep in the car. I gave Alisia 5$ and asked her to go get milk and bread.

"Is that all we need?" she asks.

"Well, we need also cheese and ham, but that 5$ is all I got, so make sure you get at least milk and bread."

She comes out with bread, milk, cheese, AND ham. I look in the bag for a moment and do a quick count, looking for the receipt and ask, "You had enough?"

"Oh, I had to use some of my own money, just two dollars, so it was ok. Can I use my change to get Caleb something out of the machines?"

As I sat there in shock of what I was hearing her say, I must have nodded because she walked back in the store. No big deal do use her own money? God has given her the gift of generosity. She works hard for her money cleaning up her room, cleans the bathroom, and helps clear supper dishes. Then we go to Food Lion or the 1$ section at Target and she wants to spend it on everyone else but herself!

I love seeing this side of maturity and it definitely balances out the emotional side to growing up. On the way home I praised her for what a great big sister she is becoming and a young lady in the Lord. We talked about upcoming changes and challenges of the next few years, and how important it is to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, especially when your having a hard day.

I'm grateful for the opportunities God gives us as parents to teach our children. Praying that God will show me how to use these opportunities he gives me to praise my children and point them to Him. And most of all I pray that God will mold her heart to be sensitive to His call as she looks to Him as her Savior. That He will give her opportunities to use her gifts for His glory.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
2 Peter 3:18