So Julie (11-year-old daughter) and I head out to the grocery last night. Heather had a sore throat all day, so she happily stayed home with Daddy to snuggle in the recliner and go over her Awana verses.
Julie and I are in the van, just approaching Meijer when we had this short conversation...
Me: Julie, I didn't put on any makeup other than mascara tonight...
Julie: It's okay Mommy, I don't mind...
Me: Well, I'm just letting you know I didn't get all "done up" to come to the grocery...
Julie: It's really ok Mommy. There's no difference at all when you don't wear makeup - really, I don't notice at all!
Me: Oh, really?
Julie: Really Mommy, I don't.
Me: (under my breath) Oh boy...
Of course I'm thinking, great, I look this bad all the time even when I try??
Then the next thought...knowing our Julie the way I do, she wasn't being mean when she said that to me. She was trying to be complimentary. In her mind, Mommy looks beautiful no matter what (at least that is what she has told me many times). Hmmm...I wish I had her perspective.
I thought more about that conversation through the evening hours and it occurred to me that I need to present my best self when I can, but I also know that there will be times when that just doesn't happen. And...that's ok. My daughters need to know that it's ok if you don't dress to the nines and put on your best outfit just to go to the grocery store. I never want my girls to think they are "less" of a person just because they chose to put their hair up in a ponytail and skip the makeup. (No, they're not wearing makeup yet!)
I want them to see what I see...what the Lord sees...when they look into the mirror. That's going to be tough for me to teach them given that I struggle mightily with what I see in the mirror each day. But, it's my heart that they see themselves as beautiful, talented, compassionate, loving people and I'm committed to helping them realize that through God's Word and through our words.
The Lord has been 'talking' to me through the Bible study I'm in now. It deals with the state of the heart. My goodness, I knew I needed a billboard, but this study really is showing me how much I need to allow the Lord into my heart of hearts. My girls and their heart character are part of what He is showing me too. I am trying to listen!
Enough rambling for today....
All my best to you,
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5 comments:
Really good article, Susan. Although you are a beautiful woman and Julie and Heather are gorgeous little girls, the real person is in who you are, not what you look like.
Oh Susan, I feel the same way. I know too many people who look incredible on the outside, but their hearts is down right nasty! I sometimes feel like I go too far the other way. Maybe I should make myself look a little nicer sometimes. I bet even my husband would appreciate it!
The love and acceptance of our children is so precious. As much as we want to teach our children about God's love, sometimes they are the ones who are showing US his love.
Mom - You're biased! :) But thank you for your sweet words. Love you.
Lisa - yes, the heart is what God sees above all else and I need to be reminded of that!
Karen - Oh my, yes! Our children are truly a blessing in that way and I believe the Lord uses them to show us what is most important in life.
Thank you Ladies for stopping by to visit!
I think it is so easy for us as women to miss our true beauty but our children always see it and gently remind us of what God sees as well.
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