It's Day 6 in the Gratitude Challenge, and today I'm thankful for my daughter! Excuse me while I brag...
She's challenging.
Our youngest daughter is 13, and she is a wonderful addition to our family. Just like her father, she is one to constantly challenge me (and mostly in good ways.) She makes me think. She makes me stay alert. She makes me hold myself accountable in the achievement of my goals. And, just when I think I have something down - like holding my tongue! - she gives me a situation to prove it or lose it. It isn't often that a parent will admit that they learn from their children, but I do learn from mine.
She's creative.
She is a prolific writer. I don't remember a day passing where I haven't watched her write by hand, on the laptop, or at the very least in her journal. She's always loved to be elbow deep in art supplies. I think that her love and appreciation of art and music is one of my most successful accomplishments. (And I hope that doesn't sound conceited, but it was a goal that we're seeing come to fruition so I'm thrilled!) This year she has exploded! She's dancing several days a week and is taking two art classes... one focusing on the potter's wheel and hand-building of ceramics, and one focusing on drawing and painting. I've never seen her as dedicated to anything other than her writing as she is to her art this year. She's been tired and sore, sick and miserable, and she still fulfills her commitment to her dance schedule without complaints. She dresses in her own style and adds creative touches to her outfits whenever she can. I'm definitely seeing that side appear!
She's got a faith that will move mountains.
I can take no credit for this. God put a spirit of love for Him in her from the very beginning. As a toddler she would tell me about angels. As a preschooler she would explain to people that God loved them. As an elementary student she knew that one day she would work in missions, be it as a full time position or as something that she does with her life through volunteering at her church. As a teenager she volunteers as often as she can (though admittedly I could clear my schedule to allow her to do more.) She sings on the worship team during the student worship time. She loves to help with service projects with the youth group. She adores spending time with her church family. She is the first person telling us to get ready for church and the last person out the doors after we're finished on a Sunday (or Wednesday!) She gave her heart to God and meant it. She believes in modesty and courting.
She's also a normal teenager.
We have our moments (last night) and our conflicts (last night), and I try to remember that it is part of growing up. She listens to her music way too loud. She wants to spend too much time on the computer. And her room is a mess!
I love my kid, and not just because I'm her mom. She's a nut, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
9 comments:
She sounds like an amazing child, and a joy. It's hard when there are conflicts, but sometimes my teenage angst brought me closer to my parents. I'm lucky they were so patient!
You have to proud of a daughter like that! It is so good to hear parent who have wonderful things to say about their children. Now a days, a lot of parents feel they are more of a burden. May God continue to bless your family.
Awwww~I am not alone! TeenageHOOD which follows childHOOD turns mamas into the STAGE of stupidHOOD~(You know, where our kids KNOW more than we do???? LOL)
Glad you see it so positively~She's blessed! Have a great day! hugs!
Moms are allowed to brag! Anytime... anywhere!
She sounds wonderful!
~H
She sounds wonderful. What a great blessing she is to have around.
I love this post!!!!!!!!!!!! It is so funny, brilliant and honest, all at the same time. My children are 3, 5 and 7 and teenage years still await. Although they are young, there's a lot that I learn from my them too. Being a mom is great and I'm so glad you feel the same way!
So glad we found each other's blogs through this challenge.
God bless!
Teenage daughters are such a blessing!
Teenage daughters are all you mentioned and more. Try to keep that in mind during the years to come...I have four daughters that range in age from 22 to 17 and they are all a blessing. Although I must admit that they have all had their lean years.
Your teenage daughter sounds great! I also think you two have a great relationship! :) About the messy room, I think that is just part of the territory with teenage girls. My own teenager is awesome in so many ways, but her room . . . leaves something to be desired. When we had our carpets cleaned recently the carpet cleaner told me that teenage girls cannot keep their rooms clean!
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