My daughter starts kindergarten this week and I don’t even want to talk about it. My heart is breaking to send her out into this world. It really is.
And every time I say: “But God, I want to keep her at home and protect her from this world forever. I want never want her to experience a broken heart and I never want her positive, joyful spirit to be crushed. I want her to do cartwheels, sing songs, and paint pictures just because. I want her to ask me to “watch this” 50 times a day. I want her to swing on her tree, play with her stuffed animals, and hold my hand as we walk to the park. I never want her to be told that she’s not smart enough or pretty enough or good enough. I never want her to feel rejected or insulted. I never want her to be exposed to the negativity and hate in this world. I need her at home with me all day every day and I never, ever, ever, ever want her to be out in this world, OK?”
But God says: “I understand…but this world needs her. Trust me.”
But that’s so hard especially when you’re a mama bear wanting to protect her cub, but then I have to remember whose cub she is in the first place.
We have to choose to trust the Lord. We have to give our children to the One who created them, loves them, and chose them to be exactly where they are in this time and place.
Oh that’s hard. Deep breaths.
Lord, bless my daughter as she goes into the world each day. Be near her
and help her to be strong. Remind her that in You there is no fear, but
instead there is the power to be confident, loving, and brave. Protect her
feelings and emotions. Help her to make good choices and give her an
assertive voice to share her own opinions and know that they matter. Help
her to be able to stand alone and always do the right thing and encourage
others to do the same. Give her a helpful heart and a kind spirit. Put
positive friends in her path, but also allow her to show love to those who
need You in their lives. Give her a heart to include others and encourage
them. Show her how to use the gifts that You have given her to be all that
You created her to be. Give her a healthy body image and allow her to see
her unique beauty and appreciate how she is wonderfully made. Protect her
each and every day. I know that You love my sweet girl even more than I
do. God, I give her to you. I trust her in Your loving, protective care.
In Jesus’ name…Amen!
