Milestones

Maia hit a major milestone recently. She is beginning to read unaided. This is a big step for her, not because she is delayed, but because it didn't automatically happen for her as it did for Avril. I think she expected to just start reading like Avril did. Maia doesn't have the attention span or desire to work it out as Avril did. She gets bored quickly and wants to stop. But now that she is making headway the excitment is building and she is eager to try. We are so proud of her. Maia is a very bright, very logical little girl. Before long this will be a distant memory. But for now it is big news that we are excited to celebrate.

On another note, I was talking with Avril tonight about an issue in school. One of the points was her concern that some people might be angry with her. So I tried to help her to understand that regardless of her actions--sinful or not--she is not responsible for others' reactions (especially sinful ones.) So I said, "Do you remember when Mommy has been angry with you?" ready to explain how my anger was not her responsibility. But she said, "No." VICTORY!! I'm still in the clear. :) That's really no excuse for those times when I've been angry, but I was thrilled that my rage is not what sticks in her mind. YAY!

Becoming like Jesus

Earlier this morning, we learned that a friend would be coming to stay with us for a time. It was sudden, but it is our delight to open our home to a friend in need. But that's not what I am writing about right now. After Adrian got the phone call, he told the girls that our friend was in great need of a place to stay and would be coming over this afternoon. A few minutes later Avril asked for a bag. Eventually, she came into the kitchen with a zip-lock filled with little things--some band-aids, fruit, peppermints, among other things. I asked what she was doing and she replied, "You'll see." Adrian thought it might be a survival pack. Avril regularly does things like this, especially after reading something in one of her Ranger Rick magazines. Another 10 minutes later, Avril came into the kitchen again and asked for a few more things. By now the bag had more stuff--some pencils, sticks of gum and her $10 bill. I asked if she was leaving. "No." Finally, I asked, "Is this bag for our friend?" "Yes." I started to cry. I said, "You're giving him $10?" "$11--I put my quarters in there." I was so moved that Avril would immediately seek to bless someone that she had learned was in need. All of the little things were so thougtful, but her $10 bill was a treasure for her. Avril can really struggle (like most of us) to put others before herself. I grabbed her and hugged her and told her how proud I was. But more importantly that seeking to bless someone (especially at a cost to her) was very pleasing to God and that God would bless her in return. When I looked at her I could see the Lord. She was so beautiful. I emphasized that I was seeing Jesus in her at that moment and that she is becoming more like him through this act of love. It is such an enormous blessing to me to see Avril demonstrate Christ to others. I was also convicted to look for ways to bless those around me even when it cost me something. It is a great reminder that He is always working in us even if we don't see the results for a period of time.