Something struck me last month and I've been sitting quietly with it, reflecting on it ever since.
Our conversation on the way home from preschool one day was pretty typical and we were discussing how many big brothers and big sisters are in Katelyn's class. Then I asked Katelyn if she thought she would want to be a mommy someday. It was her response that surprised me. She said, "No, silly mommy! You know I'm going to be a businesswoman when I grow up!" That small, seemingly mundane conversation gave birth to this post. On the heels of Mother's Day, it seems appropriately fitting...
Things I Want My Daughters to Know
Let your life be filled with commas! And by that, I mean, do not define yourself by one thing, or one job, or one relationship, or one decision. Businesswoman and mother are not mutually exclusive. You're not a just businesswoman. You're not just a mom. You're a businesswoman, a mother, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a volunteer, a do-er, a dog-lover, an artist, a dancer, a child of God... Love the comma and the fact that you are so much more than the job you do everyday. Invite it all in and live your life with commas not a pre-emptive period.
Give Jesus a place in your heart. He will pursue you for your entire life. Give Him a home in your heart and watch in awe as your faith, your hope, and the peace within you grows well-beyond your expectations.
You are brave. Sometimes in life you have to do hard things. Things that stretch you. Things that challenge you. Things that you don't like. But you know what? It's just how life goes. And you know what else? You can do hard things. I know you can. And I will be there to high-five you when you're triumphant!
Show kindness and be respectful. To yourself and to others.
Always try your best to make wise choices. You will have a lot of decisions to make in your life - some will come easy and others will be tough. Know the mantra that Gramma Kathy taught me: "You make good decisions" and let it direct you to the best choice. At times, you will make poor choices. It's okay, as long as you learn from it and give yourself some grace (see prior paragraph).
Keep on learning! Keep on sharing! Some people will always know more than you and you will always know more than some people. Open your mind up to what other people have to teach you and in turn, share your knowledge too. (But, see the next paragraph :)
Humility is one of the most appreciated qualities in a person. It's been said that humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself, it means thinking of yourself less. "He leads the humble in what is right, he teaches the humble his way." Psalm 25:9
Optimism and gratitude will change your perspective. Seeing the good in things, situations, and life will set you up for positive relationships and a sunny outlook. And looking at life with a grateful heart will do the same. Optimism and gratitude are a powerful, winning combination. Strive for both.
Although you mean the world to me and daddy, the world does not revolve around you. We are so blessed to be your parents and love you more than you'll ever know. We love you enough to teach you about navigating life - real life - which exists both inside and outside of our home. Real life is not always fair. It's not always equal. It's not always about you. But you'll know how to manage it with confidence and grace.
You are loved. By the God who lavishly and boldly loves. By parents who gently yet fiercely love. By a sister who innately and unapologetically loves. By family members who deeply and graciously love. By teachers who generously and openly love. By friends who joyfully and blissfully love. You. Are. Loved. ♥
Our conversation on the way home from preschool one day was pretty typical and we were discussing how many big brothers and big sisters are in Katelyn's class. Then I asked Katelyn if she thought she would want to be a mommy someday. It was her response that surprised me. She said, "No, silly mommy! You know I'm going to be a businesswoman when I grow up!" That small, seemingly mundane conversation gave birth to this post. On the heels of Mother's Day, it seems appropriately fitting...
Things I Want My Daughters to Know
Let your life be filled with commas! And by that, I mean, do not define yourself by one thing, or one job, or one relationship, or one decision. Businesswoman and mother are not mutually exclusive. You're not a just businesswoman. You're not just a mom. You're a businesswoman, a mother, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a volunteer, a do-er, a dog-lover, an artist, a dancer, a child of God... Love the comma and the fact that you are so much more than the job you do everyday. Invite it all in and live your life with commas not a pre-emptive period.
Give Jesus a place in your heart. He will pursue you for your entire life. Give Him a home in your heart and watch in awe as your faith, your hope, and the peace within you grows well-beyond your expectations.
You are brave. Sometimes in life you have to do hard things. Things that stretch you. Things that challenge you. Things that you don't like. But you know what? It's just how life goes. And you know what else? You can do hard things. I know you can. And I will be there to high-five you when you're triumphant!
Show kindness and be respectful. To yourself and to others.
Always try your best to make wise choices. You will have a lot of decisions to make in your life - some will come easy and others will be tough. Know the mantra that Gramma Kathy taught me: "You make good decisions" and let it direct you to the best choice. At times, you will make poor choices. It's okay, as long as you learn from it and give yourself some grace (see prior paragraph).
Keep on learning! Keep on sharing! Some people will always know more than you and you will always know more than some people. Open your mind up to what other people have to teach you and in turn, share your knowledge too. (But, see the next paragraph :)
Humility is one of the most appreciated qualities in a person. It's been said that humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself, it means thinking of yourself less. "He leads the humble in what is right, he teaches the humble his way." Psalm 25:9
Optimism and gratitude will change your perspective. Seeing the good in things, situations, and life will set you up for positive relationships and a sunny outlook. And looking at life with a grateful heart will do the same. Optimism and gratitude are a powerful, winning combination. Strive for both.
Although you mean the world to me and daddy, the world does not revolve around you. We are so blessed to be your parents and love you more than you'll ever know. We love you enough to teach you about navigating life - real life - which exists both inside and outside of our home. Real life is not always fair. It's not always equal. It's not always about you. But you'll know how to manage it with confidence and grace.
You are loved. By the God who lavishly and boldly loves. By parents who gently yet fiercely love. By a sister who innately and unapologetically loves. By family members who deeply and graciously love. By teachers who generously and openly love. By friends who joyfully and blissfully love. You. Are. Loved. ♥
2 comments:
Missy, what a powerful and insightful post. All so true and so important to impart upon your daughters. It's definitely not easy raising children "in this day and age" but you and Michael are doing a great job and are teaching your daughters the most important lessons they need to learn to navigate their lives both as children and adults. We, as grandparents, appreciate your efforts and values in teaching these precious little ones, our beloved granddaughters. Thank you. Love, Papa and Gaga
Amazing post! I'm reposting a tidbit on FB as it really struck home with me today. We should try and get together soon, I'd love to catch up!
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