Lessons from My Daughter

Hebrews 12:1

"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Sitting on the couch with her over a pint of Ben & Jerry's, tear splats stinging the corners of our eyes, my daughter smiled and said, "The verse I've prayed this whole time, Mom, is that I would run with endurance the race marked out for me." 

And she is.

Thing is, we thought the race was more of a Fun Run, and she's in back-to-back marathons. She's faced some big challenges this year, and she's endured a lot. And God has been so faithful--every. step. of. the. way.

We've noticed when the shape of the course changes so does our understanding of God. Those uphill climbs, those twisty turns, those uneven paths build faith muscles. Trust grows! Dependency deepens.  And it is just plain good to be near God (Psalm 73:28).

And it is just plain good to spend time with my girl. We are laughing and crying and talking and praying and dreaming and growing and working and doing life together.  It is messy and rich and wonderful and hard and beautiful and filled with New York Superfudge Chunk and Peanut Butter Fudge Core. I love and admire this precious teen of mine, and I am learning the most wonderful things from her.

Aren't daughters wonderful? I'd love to hear what you're learning from yours too! XO!

Lessons I’ve Learned from My Daughter

1. The race thins out on the high road, but the sights are spectacular and the path never leads to regret.                          
2. True beauty shines in "Strength & Dignity" – not in Kendra Scott jewelry or a new jersey.
3. "God is good. All the time." It's especially true when the “all” part is hard.
4. Can confrontation ever be wiser than bringing it straight to Jesus? We don't always need better understanding from others, we need to better understand God's sovereignty.
5. Hearing and doing are two different things: always choose to follow-through with the doing.
6. Work hard. No matter what the goal is, work hard.  Go the distance. Never let circumstances influence your work ethic.
7. Humility is the reflection we see in someone who has received God's grace and fully gives it away. Give it away, over and over, freely and fully.
8. Pleasing others and pursuing perfection are impossible ideals that only serve as potholes along the path; run opposite them.
9. Be girly. Be smart, sweet, silly and strong.  Be free-spirited and joyful.  Trust God with all you’ve got. Sing loud praises in the shower. Be wise and innocent. Be tough, fair and fun. Be beautiful, talented and hilarious. Be strong and feminine. Confident and humble. Capable and Kind. Be 100%YOU.
10. It’s YOUR race to run; run it with endurance!