Miss J sweetly came to me, grabbed my hand and said "Mommy, I need you." I was making breakfast and asked what she needed; again she said "I need you" and then gently pulled me. As she was guiding me I realized what must have happened....
We cleaned up the mess together. We shared our disappointment. I didn't have to tell her, she knew it was a special pot that my Grandma had given me when I was a little girl (though it was only the lid that broke). While I was disappointed that it broke I was happier that my girls had gotten good use out of it and I realized a few things....
I was so glad that my little girl was not scared to tell/show me what had happened. She knows I love her more than that pot/lid. That we could share the task of cleaning up without tears and sadness over a meer thing, but instead could share our honest disappointment in it's breaking.
I was so happy that my girls had had the opportunity to use this pot. It could just have easily broken in one of our many moves or as I handled it. My kids not only have memories of using my special things (without fear), but they have built special memories together enjoying them.
More than anything I was thankful that for now I have my daughter's heart. I pray that God would continue to give me the grace, wisdom, and strength to keep her heart as only He can do (and her sibling's hearts too!).
Within a couple of minutes we had the mess cleaned up and Miss J was cheerfully back to her tea. I was left to think about how easy that had gone, and wonder how many other times I've made too big a deal out of little things that just don't matter. What a blessing these little ones are, and through God's grace He uses them to teach me so much!
That pot would be so pretty with flowers in it. I am down to only eight tea cups in my set and only 6 that are not chipped. Like you, happy that we are enjoying them every day, but sad about so many broken pieces.
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