Protecting My Girls

I'm having one of those days when I feel like I could cry about anything at any moment. Nothing in particular is going on, just thinking about lots of stuff. Some of the things that are most on my mind are the hearts of my girls and how to guard them from pain. My oldest is one of the happiest and most fun loving girls I know and things bother me more than she seems to be bothered in her own life. I never want her excitement for life to fade. She is friends with all of the kids at school. I don't think she's really gotten into arguments with anyone and she's always so confused about why kids are mean or why they fight with each other about silly stuff.

I've noticed a lot lately that the girls in first grade are already wanting to be "popular" or want to be cool. I know a lot of it has to do with TV and all of the big kid shows that are being advertised for all ages. Kissing, fighting, boyfriend/girlfriend stuff, leaving kids out and all the other things that I didn't think I'd have to deal with until high school or MAYBE junior high. It all makes my stomach turn upside down and I feel sick about it. I think about how nice it would be to just take her out of school and protect her from everything but I know that she'll have to deal with it at some point. I guess it's better for them to experience the little things now, when I can talk to them about choices and what kind of friends are good for them, than when bigger things like drugs, alcohol and sex are the issue. I hope they will all continue to talk to me about things as they get older. I know God will protect them and I just need to do my best to raise them the way I feel is right, teach them right from wrong and pray.

I found myself at the verge of tears when I dropped her off at school today because I was worrying about her having hurt feelings about a party she wasn't invited to and many of her other friends went to. They were talking about it and she didn't seem like she cared but I know that it must make her wonder why she didn't get invited. I wanted to turn around and pick her up so she could come home and not have to listen to it (we could just do crafts, sing and dance all day). That's part of life, right? They won't be invited to everything but I need to show them that missing a party or some other event isn't going to change their lives. Those are the little things! We had a fun weekend and it doesn't matter what other people were doing. So, as I drove, trying not to cry, I started praying for peace and wisdom in these situations. I need to trust that God will guide my words and show me how to teach them what's important in life. I do feel better after praying and talking to MY mommy but I still want to go and rescue her!

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

All of your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. Isaiah 54:13