Madyson

***This blog was originally posted on my Myspace blog on 8/12/08***

Last Wednesday was Madyson't first day of school. WOW! That doesn't even seem possible. Wasn't she born yesterday? Wasn't it just a couple months ago I couldn't hardly wait to be an aunt and see her for the first time. I was so excited to have a niece. I couldn't help but think that I'd have a baby doll to play with and dress up. Boy, she proved me wrong. She hated to be changed, touched or just bothered in any way. If she wanted someone to do something, she'd let them know. Otherwise, just leave her alone.

I don't know anyone like that.

She has been one surprise after another along the way. There have been times I could just pinch her little head off, but I think my mom may have been on to something when she pointed out that the very things I am most annoyed with in Madyson are the very same qualities that make her so much like me. I hate being hit with realities like that. She is stubborn and the biggest know-it-all you've ever seen and guess what? So am I.

Lord, help me to realize what a stumbling block these traits are and help me to overcome them in Your name to be an example to my precious niece.

As I watched her step on the bus step for the first time, my heart sank. Was she ready? Had we taught her everything she needed to know? Would she make friends? Would the other kids like her? Would she be scared? Would she feel abandoned after a lifetime of being sheltered only to be dropped off with complete strangers? Would she be able to open her juice without help? I know I'm not her mother, but I feel like it sometimes. She and her brothers are probably the only children I'll ever have and I've invested a lot in them emotionally. As I took my shower that morning I realized that it was truly something I had to completely surrender to God and trust that we had all done what was right in the way we had influenced her.

Lord, protect my precious niece. Help her make good choices and be obedient. Help her to share Your love with others as she's been taught to do.