Growing Pains

Will I be chosen?

Will someone value who I am and what I have to offer?

If I put myself out there, will I be received?

 These questions are on my mind today and guess what....they are also on my daughters.  My questions have more history, depth, maybe maturity...but the questions remain the same.

I have come to realize in new situations (seem to be in those a lot) there is a continual opportunity for those questions to be asked and for decisions to be made to put myself in those places.  At times, they are met with a yes, we do choose you, and I walk away thankful and blessed.  And at times, they are met with a seeming no or indifference.  What will I do with the responses?

My daughter tells me after school that she was trying to be a friend to someone that she really likes, but this friend is choosing another.  She said, "It's so hard when someones not wanting to choose you."  What do I tell her.  Oh it is hard, painful....it still is.  In fact it was today, the same as you, for your mom on the same playground with another mom.  More layers to our interaction, but it is the same hurt feelings.  I want her to not live a lifetime of insecurity and looking for validation.  I want her to know she is a woman clothed with dignity and strength from the King of Kings.  That she is lovely, worthy, amazing, complete, because she is a child of God and she is Deveraux.

Why do we look so to the outside.  Why do we give so much power to that interaction that affirms if we are chosen or not.  Why do we allow those things "trip" us up so on an otherwise lovely peaceful day. 

Of course the hope is growth comes in these areas and that I can pass on that journey of growth to Deveraux and that even though some of those questions may come, they won't hold as much power.  I want her to know she is already chosen again and again and again.  I don't want her to know struggle in this area because I love her.

 I also want her to continually and honestly give this potential struggle and all others over to the One who can hold her and sustain her.  To not allow the struggle to define her but to grab hold of the freedom that is hers to take!

You are not alone Deveraux Grace!