7.13.2012

To the Ladies in the Grocery Line

You stood behind me today as the line grew longer, and you watched as her little chubby hands tried to slip the juicy fruit gum into her pocket.

You watched her flinch, as I gently told her no. Then you gaped as she kicked me in the shin over and over and threw herself onto the floor.

You shifted as the clerk waited patiently, and you slightly tensed as the line behind you grew longer, but I just stood.

You attempted to encourage me in your own way, "My, you have your hands full."

I ignored you. But I wanted to say, This is easy. It's only one-sixth of my workload.

You saw the tantrum and the crying and wondered at my mothering techniques.

But...

I saw my little Diva regulate her emotions. I saw her stand and look me in the eye as I asked, "Baby, did you try to steal the gum?"

You saw my little rascal steal and flail.

But...

I saw her trust me enough to look in my eyes and say, "Yes, Momma Catie. I stole it."

I understand your feelings and your thoughts. But you see, you saw the problem and the failure. There was once when I would have too.

But today, I saw my little girl for this season trust me with the truth, even if it was scary.

And that progress is worth celebrating.

4 comments:

  1. As an adoptive mom of 9 (soon to be 13) older children, I KNOW that your gracery store encounter was truly a gift from God. What remarkable progress! What a hurdle successfully jumped. This is BIG! She trusts you! What an important step! Oh how I recjoice with you! I'm dancing a jig in western Iowa.May God shower you with ever-increasing increments of His grace.
    Denise
    untohimwelive.blogspot.com

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    1. Denise,

      You are a precious encouragement! Sometimes your stories and reflections on your blog are just what I need to go to the cross again! Thank you for being such a light of Christ!

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  2. We are currently fostering 5 kids and have 8 a grand total of 13... And a friend sent me your way and I wanted to say thank you for the encouragement!

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    1. Thank you! I love your blog! What a beautiful ministry you have!

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