Celebrating My Girl

Last month our little girl turned 5. It is at this age when I realize just how fast they grow from tiny babes to active toddlers to young children who think they are ready to take on the world. The years have flown by and I thank God for the privilege of having a little girl to share all things feminine. She is the one in our household that always notices when I fix my hair differently, paint my nails, or set a pretty dinner table. She is the one that is aware of the emotions of others in the home, the one who points out what flowers are blooming in our yard, and the one who is always up for more snuggling. I pray we will raise her well in the fear and admonition of the Lord and that I will raise her well to delight in her femininity and to be a gracious young woman. It is a big task and one I don't take lightly. But I dream of the day when she is grown and excels in her womanly roles and the calling God has given her that we will see unfold in due time. She is a work in process. (And so is her mama!).

To celebrate her birthday this year we had a family dinner with her favorite food, rice, and she was able to open gifts that evening and enjoy cake no. 1. A few days later, we enjoyed a tea party with a few friends and their moms. The the moms had time to catch up while the girls played dress-up and did beading. It was a simple and elegant with fine china, fresh flowers, and a table set especially for the girls. And the girls were all dressed up in pretty dresses and using their best manners.
Some days the challenges of raising this girl overwhelm and exhaust me as I do my best to instruct her how to control her emotions, behave in a ladylike manner and think more of others, but I pray God gives me wisdom and endurance for the journey and a lifelong friendship with this one He has given me the joy of calling "my daughter."