Growing Up

It has been such a JOY to have Layla with me every day this summer.  First grade changed her...matured her.  She had to deal with a few tough personalities at school this year and there were times that it was hard for me not to call school and "straighten things out."  Instead, I felt that God gave us those opportunities to teach, learn and grow.

Layla had the chance to decide whether to just read the Word or read it AND put it into action in her life. She learned how to stay in peace and joy, even when her circumstances were hard and people around her were grumpy or unkind.  She decided to lean on the Lord when what she really wanted to do was cry and call mom.  She toughened up a bit, but she did not become hard...that's God's sweet handiwork.

I had to learn to trust what God was doing in my 7 year old and in her circumstances.  My black and white personality was stretched.  Instead of just telling Layla what to do, I had to guide her and help her listen to the Lord...and then let go just a little more.

We're approaching Layla's 8th birthday.  A friend of mine told me that 6 and 7 were emotion filled ages for her daughter, but that 8 is great.  I've seen that shift in Layla in the last 6 months.  It's been fun to see her mature.  To hear her very grown up thoughts.  To give her more freedom and to see how that freedom is bringing out God's plans for her.