Chosen

Dear Matthew, Macy, and Harris,

As you grow up, I am finding it harder and harder to protect you from the hurts of this world. I would love to wrap each of you in my arms and shelter you from the hurtful words and actions of others. As you get older, you will notice that other people, even the people you love, will say and do things that hurt you.  I want you to know that I will do all that I can to protect you, but I am slowly realizing that being a good Mama sometimes means letting you experience these things because these are the very situations that will make you stronger.  They will define who you become.  They will help you appreciate the love that surrounds you. 

When I tell you that I have been where you are, I really mean it.  You see, I was always the fat kid that no one wanted to pick for their team. I wasn't good at sports and I never mastered cartwheels.  I wasn't the prettiest, most popular girl in school and I certainly wasn't the one that everyone wanted to be friends with.  I remember wanting so badly to have someone call me their best friend. At about 8 or 9 years old, I also remember how I felt when my friend said to me "I am not your best friend anymore."  I remember feeling so hurt, so betrayed, and so left out. 

But I soon discovered that I was good at some things.  I can play the piano, I can read music, and I can carry a tune.  I can lead...I loved being 4-H president, student council representative, and drum major at school.  I am a good learner and even now as a grown-up I enjoy school. 

Macy, you are a wonderful artist.  Your creativity and ability to design beautiful art amazes me.  You have already mastered that cartwheel and you are beginning to work on that back handspring.  You can play piano, read music, and carry a tune.  You are so smart as evidenced by your straight As and good conduct grades.  You keep us laughing with your silly humor.  Do you know how proud you make me?

Matthew, you are my smart, tenderhearted little boy.  Your straight As and your desire to learn are extraordinary.  The way that you seem to know how to make others feel special is a gift.  You are so good at helping others...I wish you understood how truly unusual that is for a 7 year old.  I stand in awe when I see you offer to carry your friend's backpack because she doesn't feel well.  Your thoughtfulness surpasses your years.  Your love for others inspires me. 

Harris, you are the joy that keeps this family moving.  Your crazy dances and your loud singing wake us up and help us to see the joy in all situations.  You are so loud, yet so tender at times too.  When you tell me "I love you more than I can say" my heart just melts.  Your willingness to go with the flow is appreciated.  Your admiration and affection for your big brother and sister is apparent in all you do.  I am so thankful for you.

My children, when this world tells you that you are not good enough for this sports team or that honors club or that cheer squad or this music group...I want you to remember that you were chosen.  You were chosen by the Creator of the stars and the moon.  You were chosen by the One that makes the birds sing.  You were chosen by the Maker of all good things.  And you were chosen by me.  Your value is not in the things of this world, but in the One that gave you to me. 

I love you more,

Mama

Isaiah 43:10
"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, " and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he."

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."