My mom always had something different to tell me. She said that the early days go slowly, but once they go to school time fast-forwards. The pace of life picks up with sports, extracurricular activities, homework, and friends. Suddenly the calendar is full and your dashing off all over trying to keep pace.
And then....
18 years have passed.
When we brought Kyla home from the hospital, Joel voiced fears that we were going to mess up as parents. Well, not fear - certainty. We were new parents, fallible humans with sins and mistakes that effect those around us daily. How could we possibly be trusted to raise this little baby?
The key is we didn't raise her alone. First and foremost we have God by our sides and the Spirit's prompting. Second we had experienced parents around us to help us. Third we had the support of our church. With so many helpers by our side we were able to raise our baby into a lovely young woman.
Not that we didn't make mistakes. We absolutely did! As she hit high school we realized we had unintentionally instilled a strong perfectionism trait in her and we had to pull back so that she could feel like it was okay to fail at times and learn from mistakes as well as successes.
To tell the truth, God blessed us with a daughter who's personality is so beautiful that we often get credit as parents for something that He gifted her with. She has such a strong feeling of compassion for others that she definitely didn't learn from me. She was always drawn to the outcasts at school which made her an outcast by association at times. As I watched her in a Christian school get ostracized for loving the unlovable, I became indignant. Here was a girl who was loving as Jesus loved and was pushed aside in a Christian school! It wasn't right! But it didn't bother her. She kept doing what she knew was right.
As she crossed the stage for graduation, I was so proud of my beautiful girl for her poise and confidence without arrogance. That's not an easy line to walk, but she walks it well. When she was cast as Mary Poppins in the school musical, she was humbled by the opportunity, worked hard to get the role right, uplifted others, and generally was "practically perfect in every way". In fact, she was nominated for a musical theater award for her performance and all the other nominees signed her head shot saying how humble, sweet, and "practically perfect" she was.
I thought I'd be an emotional wreck at my daughter's graduation, but instead I was just incredibly proud and happy for her! She is so special, and I am so glad that God showed mercy and grace in my parenting mistakes to grow her into the young lady she is today.
Mamas - I know you hear it all the time, but time does fly. Before you know it the toys and mess will be gone. It doesn't seem like it now, but it will one day. I won't tell you to cherish every moment because that's not possible. Life is busy and messy, but enjoy the journey. Each stage of life is precious - even potty training.
They say time flies when you're having fun. My Kyla makes life fun with her sunny personality and love for others. It's no surprise that these 18 years flew by with her.
Kyla, I could not be more proud of you! You exhibit God's love and grace in your dealings with others. Time and again others have told me that God has something special for you, and it always gave me chills. I can't wait to see where God takes you next! I love you, sweet girl! Congratulations!
