This little girl isn't so little anymore.She is reading the book "Charlotte's Web". By herself. She reads outloud to Selah with more dramatic feeling than most adults. Seriously. (I don't know where she gets her dramatic flair *grin*) She is adding three numbers in her head. She tells me random bits of information that she reads in her library books during rest time; things that I didn't know. :) My motivated little learner is begging to do whatever school book I'll let her get her hands on. Makes homeschooling so difficult, let me tell you. *Yes, note the sarcasm*
She daily thanks Jesus for "making this world and all the people in it". I don't know why she first thought to pray that over our lunchtime meal, but I do know she has a genuine heart for others. She is truly truly concerned about how others feel...
For instance, the other day she and Jet were playing outside. And while they were racing across the yard, Charis stopped at her designated "finish line". Jet was unaware of this and ended up running right into her. knocking her over. falling himself. and kicking her head in the process. Poor guy, he was horrified. And she, obviously, cried.
But the first thing she said, amidst her sobbing, as Jet picked her up was "I love you, Daddy. I love you so much." She held no bitterness. no self pity. no anger. She just wanted him to know that he was still loved.
It truly amazed me because there I was, the adult, completely annoyed at him for daring to accidentally fall down and kick my precious child. Meanwhile Precious Child, the one who actually got hurt, was showing no sign of anything negative towards her Daddy. Amazing.
She has an intimate knowledge of Jesus. She has seen angels. And dreamt of heaven. I've asked her radical, far-fetched questions concerning what she saw, thinking that maybe, as a child, she'll go with whatever I say she saw. But, no, she is firm every time. She describes what she sees and nothing more. I know her eyes have been opened to a realm of glory.
I remember being her age. I actually remember being a lot younger. And I remember feeling so big. so grown up. very much my own person with my own thoughts, my own feelings, my own hurts when adults disregarded me because I was so young.
And remembering all of that, it's my heart to be careful to honor her for the person that she is. Today. Just as Jesus obviously loves on her and reveals himself to her regardless of her young age, I want to treat her and her thoughts and feelings with respect. In this season of her young life.
She is truly a precious, precious girl. And she's only five! I'm so very excited to see what God has in store for this little...or, rather, not so little...one.
