Monday, February 16, 2009

Wise words from a child


Right before bed as I tucked her in I kissed my daughter and smiled. "I am glad I am girl", she said. I looked at her and wondered what she meant. Being a woman is hard work. As mothers we support and provide for our families with out words of appreciation and only one day per year for recognition. We spend long hours in labor, we wash, cook, clean, manage books, help with homework, give words of encouragement and do not get financial compensation for our labor. In the workforce we face discrimination, we get paid less than a man for doing the same if not more work, we are harrassed for being the "weaker" sex or for being attractive. Either way we go about it, we fall short of someone's measure. Why would this child be glad to be a girl? I love her for who she is and she is beautiful, inside and out, but what possessed her to utter those words? My face must have expressed the confusion I felt. She continued, "As a girl, I get to have children." I nodded, yes. "I get to accept God's most precious gift". My heart fell, for in a moment I had complained about the woes of motherhood, while not even seeing the blessings that come with that title. I only saw the labor, but not the fruit. "You are right, Sweetie". I kissed her again and saw God smiling behind her eyes. How could I doubt my God. Thank you for her and all our children. Thank you for your daily reminders of your unconditional love. Thank you.