Six year old Emma is so different from five year old Emma. Five year old Emma was filled with so many fears, fears that made her cry, made her silent, made her hesitant, made her shy.  But she learned how to ride the bus alone, how to manuever the veins of her school, how to make comfortable conversations with her peers, create friendships without a motherly manual, strive to overcome scholastic difficulties.   And now she’s six and I can honestly say how proud I am of the myriad accomplishments achieved in one year.  By God’s grace, He’s helped her to become more confident, self sufficient, and more independent. At the moments when she felt she couldn’t do it, I’m sure God whispered to her and pushed her soul to be braver.  She knows the verse, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” by heart. I doubt she’s quoted it during those specific moments, but I believe God is showing her the truth in His Word. And now she’s six and she’s not so scared of the “difficult.”  She doesn’t get easily overwhelmed or complain too quickly about a task.  She buckles up and takes small steps. […]

  Emma started her ballet lessons yesterday. I had a little talk with her before her lesson, explaining that I wanted her to be herself, unique and special, not needing to look at all the other kids and conform to the norm.  I just advised her to listen to her instructor and be herself.  I also reminded her to smile and enjoy without having to feel scared, to speak up and be courageous to raise her hand if her teacher needed a volunteer. These were the things I equipped her with, I guess things moms say.  I never really thought of telling her to be graceful, or to tip toe.  I guess as my child, I just wanted her to have a voice, to make a connection with her teacher and the other kids without having to compromise her individuality.  I was never that conscious enough when I was her age.   After her lesson, she ran out of the room, smiling from ear to ear, then grabbing her sister and proudly introducing her to her teacher.  Miss Erika then made proper introductions and Emma said, “thank you for my ballet lesson.”  As she pranced out the building, I believe […]