We planted her on Saturday. A beautiful, slender, young flaming maple. Our front yard was desperate for some shade and we thought she’d be perfect. So, we picked her out at the nursery and brought her home. She’s tethered and staked right now; we’re hoping she’ll grow straight up towards heaven, tall and strong. There’s already been storms to weather, but so far, she’s still standing. She reminds me of someone…
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She stood at the front door today, my 10 1/2 year old beauty, coming in from playing with the neighbor kids. Lip quivering, eyes brimming. She was the perfect girl for us all of those years ago when we brought her home, and she still is. I couldn’t have asked the Heavenly Father for more.
But this afternoon, I almost didn’t recognize her. She was different today…
Her heart belongs to Jesus, you know; The Word sewn deeply into the soil of her heart, truths holding her fast when the hard winds blow. We’ve done what we know to do and we’re hoping she’ll shoot up straight and tall, a strong woman of God.
We sat down, my sweet girl, who seemed so mature, and I. Girl, mostly young lady. *sigh* and she told me the story. A story about a poor choice and the outcome. tears rolling. Oh, its nothing huge that will ruin her life, by all means. But, a contrite heart before the Lord is never a small thing. So, I held her hand, as she revealed her broken heart to me. We prayed and we talked and she expressed the joy of forgiveness.
And I wept with sweet relief. Maybe we’ll make it through the storms after all.
There’s a new girl on the block – no, today a precious young woman. My heart is just a bit heavy because her life here in our home is shooting by at the speed of lightening. But, I’m thankful her heart is tethered to His. And I’m grateful I get to watch her grow up mighty in her faith, tender in His hands.
daily portion 