I Am

My daughter, Hayley Grace, is 8 years old and I absolutely adore her!  She was the big surprise of our family. Thinking we were at our maximum capacity as a family, 4 years after our 3rd (and final ha ha) child was born, God amazed us by giving us #4…our only little girl and a great source of joy in our home.  I’m trying to hold on to our sweet moments together knowing that as she gets older, she may not want to spend as much time with me as she does now. At 8 years old, I am her best friend and we talk about a lot of things. Recently she completed some open ended sentences about who she is.  I wanted to share them today with you, because I think they reveal so much more than what’s on the surface. As I read her statements I could see past the adorable little girl who loves to have fun and into her heart which is filled with more complex emotions.  Her statements are in green and my responses are beside hers.

I am…

I am a funny girl. So true!  One thing each of my children is gifted with is a great sense of humor!

I wonder about my future. I know you do baby. But don’t you worry! God has great plans for you and your future.   Jermiah 29:11 says so!

I hear people talking. And no doubt you are probably talking also

I see my friends at school. Yes, I know that your friends are the reason you like going to school!

I want to live at the beach. If you ever do, take me with you please!

I am a fun girl. Yes you are! I love to spend time with you because you are so fun to be with! I love you and I like you <3

I pretend that I am a monster. Not sure where this one came from. A rock star or Justin Bieber’s girlfriend is what I expected to see here.  A monster?

I feel my skin. And it is sooooo soft!

I touch my desk. Ok.

I worry about my life. Ok Gracie, we need to talk about this one. What do you worry about baby girl?  God does not want you to worry, but give it all to Him and allow Him to take care of you…and He will.  Pray to Him and please talk to me if you are worried about anything.

I cry about my Grandmother. Me too. Almost every day.  We miss her so much don’t we? But she’s all better now and we will see her again in Heaven.  <3

I am brave. So brave!  You amaze me with your courage. You even make me feel brave too.

I understand pressure. At such a young age, I don’t know if this is good or bad. All I can say is that if you understand it now, maybe you’ll be better prepared for the future. I just hope you don’t feel a lot of pressure in negative ways. And I certainly hope you don’t feel it at home.

I say Hey to people. “Hey”…   This makes me smile. Not sure why.

I dream of a perfect life. My first response to this was “Well dream on!” (in a sarcastic way because I know it ain’t happenin!)  But I wouldn’t really say that to her. Sweet child, I hope you are not disappointed in life. It won’t be perfect here on earth, not even close…”in this world you will have trouble…” (didn’t SomeOne say that…yea, like Jesus Himself!), but He also said that He had overcome the world and He came so we could live life to the fullest!  (John 16:33, John 10:10)  Don’t let go of your dreams sweet girl!  Life won’t be perfect on this earth but it can be real good. And one day,in Heaven, your dream of a perfect life will come true.

I try to make people happy.       You make so many people happy!  Being with you makes me happy.  The pictures you draw me make me happy.  The notes you write me make me happy.  Taking walks with you makes me happy. Watching you swim, run, ride your bike, sleep, and pray all makes me happy.  Not only me, but I’ve seen many people very happy after an encounter with you!

I hope to be a good person in life. You can check this off your list, because you are a good person in life. Just keep up what you are already doing. You are well on your way good and faithful servant!

I am an encouraging girl. I agree with this 100%!!!  And then some. If I had to name one person who encourages me when I need it, it would be you! Seriously. I have drawers and notebooks full of notes you’ve sent me telling me how much you love and appreciate me and how wonderful I am. Since words are my #1 Love Language, this speaks volumes to my heart. Thank you for being an encouraging girl! You’ve encouraged the whole Proverbs 31 Ministries staff by leaving them notes on their desks too. You rock!

I am Hayley Grace Taylor. I love Hayley Grace Taylor.

Tomorrow I’ll be completing these same open ended sentences with my own answers.

Have a fabulous day y’all!