She loves to try new things

I was outside with Brienne, when it began to sprinkle.  She took it as an opportunity

to twirl around, laughing and running in the gentle rain. 

I took it as an opportunity to snap some pictures of her.

I have mended that dress more than once...

and thankfully the lawn has been mowed since then...

but even with these little imperfections

her beauty is what shines to me.

Especially the beauty that comes from within...

This little girl is bursting with life and energy.  She loves to try new things.

She'll come up to me when I'm busy about doing something and say "Can I try?"

My mind immediately begins to go through some questions.

"Is she able to do this yet?"  "Do I have time to teach her right now?"

"Wouldn't it be better if I just finish the task myself?"

And yesterday the task was peeling potatoes.  I was feeling the pressure of time.

My husband had an opportunity to preach at a nursing home.

We had to have dinner, and be dressed and out the door by 5pm.  

And here I was making every minute count and my daughter wants to peel potatoes.

I decided to let her help me.  And you know?...she did even better than I thought she would.

It wasn't long before Joelle came in to peel potatoes too.

Earlier that day the three oldest had shucked the corn together.  And as we sat down to eat, 

we realized we had forgotten the butter.  Brienne, so happy to serve, walked around the 

table and helped her younger siblings butter up their corn.  

And I am realizing the many opportunities that God gives my children to serve.  As a parent I 

don't want to get in the way of that because I think I can do it better or more efficiently.  I 

want to provide those opportunities...let them learn by doing...let them fumble around and

have little successes and mishaps.  

After dinner I told Brienne how much I appreciated her.  And I resolved in my heart that 

when my children say "Can I try?" ...I will say yes more often.