By the time our six year-old granddaughter Laney was just a few months old, we already knew quite a bit about her. We knew she has the biggest and bluest eyes in the county. Seriously, Frank Sinatra doesn't have anything on this little gal. We also knew she was extremely lactose intolerant, that she is a visual learner, that like her momma, she has a deep attachment to her blanket, and that she has special way with animals. You heard me-at the ripe old age of seven months, Laney Beth has a way with animals. She loves them and they love her. Case in point...
While taking a hike through the woods, Laney, who was not yet a year old, was taking a little hike through the woods with her mommy and daddy. And as is often the case when you take a little hike in the woods, they crossed paths with turtle. Having been raised with a menagerie of pets, herself, my daughter, who is Laney's mom, didn't hesitate to pick the turtle up and show it to Laney. Nothing earth-shaking about that, I know. But here is the rest of the story...
The turtle didn't scoot inside its shell when she picked it up. The turtle, neck extended, went eye-to-eye with Laney. Laney immediately giggled and squealed and reached for the turtle. She touched its shell, it's head and then took its little foot in her hand. And still the turtle did not run and hide. In fact, my son in-law had to carefully pry her hand from the turtle's foot so she didn't hurt it by squeezing too hard. Once he did, my daughter allowed Laney to give the turtle a good-bye kiss on the shell before putting him down on the ground to be on his way.
Cute story, right? But now let's get to the what's-that-got-to-do-with-being-a-parent part of the story...
God creates each of us with our own intricate heart, body, soul and mind. He places within each of us passions, talents and abilities which are meant to be fostered and fulfilled. As a parent, it is your responsibility to keep an eye out for your child's passions, talents and abilities; to pick up on what they are, provide outlets for their development and to encourage your children to thrive and aspire to the person God made them to be.
Sometimes we may not understand our child's passion or be able to relate to it (them) very well, but if for no other reason than L-O-V-E, you should be ready, willing and able to appreciate them.
Love,
Momma D
While taking a hike through the woods, Laney, who was not yet a year old, was taking a little hike through the woods with her mommy and daddy. And as is often the case when you take a little hike in the woods, they crossed paths with turtle. Having been raised with a menagerie of pets, herself, my daughter, who is Laney's mom, didn't hesitate to pick the turtle up and show it to Laney. Nothing earth-shaking about that, I know. But here is the rest of the story...
The turtle didn't scoot inside its shell when she picked it up. The turtle, neck extended, went eye-to-eye with Laney. Laney immediately giggled and squealed and reached for the turtle. She touched its shell, it's head and then took its little foot in her hand. And still the turtle did not run and hide. In fact, my son in-law had to carefully pry her hand from the turtle's foot so she didn't hurt it by squeezing too hard. Once he did, my daughter allowed Laney to give the turtle a good-bye kiss on the shell before putting him down on the ground to be on his way.
Cute story, right? But now let's get to the what's-that-got-to-do-with-being-a-parent part of the story...
God creates each of us with our own intricate heart, body, soul and mind. He places within each of us passions, talents and abilities which are meant to be fostered and fulfilled. As a parent, it is your responsibility to keep an eye out for your child's passions, talents and abilities; to pick up on what they are, provide outlets for their development and to encourage your children to thrive and aspire to the person God made them to be.
Sometimes we may not understand our child's passion or be able to relate to it (them) very well, but if for no other reason than L-O-V-E, you should be ready, willing and able to appreciate them.
Love,
Momma D
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