Meeting my 3 year old

Meeting my 3 yr old...a funny title for a post, seeing as my husband and I have been raising her for 3 1/2 years.  I knew her of course, and many wonderful attributes that she had already, but since I have been home with her for the past month I feel like I have met her again in a whole new way.

I have learned that she loves without holding back.  She will give me, my husband and her little sister 1,000 kisses a day if we would let her and she would still be wanting to give you more.  Of course she throws tantrums and becomes frustrated just like any normal child (or ADULT!), but afterward she immediately returns to love.  "Mom, I love you so much" are the best words in the world.  I could really learn a lesson from her in this area.  When I get frustrated I often hold a grudge for a whole and treat those I love as if they need to earn my love back, but she is an example to me of how Jesus taught us to love.

I have learned that she is compassionate.  Last week I was experiencing a lot of pain and had multiple doctors appointments, so she got to stay with her papa while my mom escorted the baby and I all over Houston.  I was so surprised at the depth of her understanding and compassion for the situation.  Every day during and since she will ask me "Mom, are you okay?  Are you in pain anymore?" and then proceed to follow up with the love.  How often do I follow up with people who have been experiencing health problems and truly and deeply care for their needs?  She reminds me daily to think beyond myself.

I have learned that she has a hunger and thirst for learning.  When I was working and she was in school I would see a worksheet at the end of the day and maybe a tidbit or two about her day, but I haven't had much opportunity to see learn and begin to understand new information.  Every morning, and even on the weekends, she wakes up asking "Can we do school work?"  She also always wants to start her day with a prayer and a few Bible stories.  How often do I start my day in prayer to God and in His word?

I have learned that she has never met a stranger.  She is not afraid to say hi, ask someone their name, or ask questions about them.  Within seconds someone is her "friend".  We go to chickfila and she is talking to and playing with all of her friends.  How often do I reach out to the other young moms alone with their children and get to know them?

Jesus said to "become like little children" and through my daughter there are so many reasons why I believe he said this.  She is an example to me every day.  She teaches me love, compassion, desire to learn and how to treat others.  I am so thankful that God has not only blessed up with another beautiful baby girl, but that he has given me the opportunity to get to meet me 3 yr old again.