I am not a “kid” person. Or so I thought . . .
Growing up, I wasn’t the person all the little kids flocked to. Babysitting was not my favorite job, and I thought I could spend my time better elsewhere. As a young adult, I vowed never to have children because I was not the right person for the job.
Then I met Christ in my 20’s and He transformed my mind, my heart and my soul.
I learned from God’s word children are a blessing from the Lord. He loved children in scripture and He said, “Let the little ones come to me . . . the Kingdom of the Lord belongs to them”. (Luke 18:16) He changed my worldview and my beliefs that had been shaped by culture.
Now, I am (happily) a mom or four wonderful children who I love deeply. I write princess books on character for the next generation. I homeschool my kids. I love to be with them. I would still consider myself not a “kid” person. Playing games with my kids on the floor and coming up with imaginary roles to play has always been a stretch for me. I would rather teach the kids how to fold laundry or read a book. For my own kids’ sake, though, I have learned to do these things.
But when it comes to their friends? I am the mommy who sets up the play dates, but doesn’t invest in the lives of my kids’ friends. Until recently . . .
At the beginning of this year, we started our Princess Parables Club. We took each of the books in the series and created a fun day around it for my daughter and her friends. Teaching, snacks, reading, crafts and playing. I was doing this both for my daughter and also because I had felt God tug on my heart to do this. But it was something out of my comfort zone.
We just finished up our last meeting with a Princess Parables tea. Our table was set with fine china. Tasty goodies baked to perfection for our feast. The girls each came dressed “fancy” with smiles on their faces. We learned a little bit about manners and etiquette. We read Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten with a character lesson. Each girl received a bracelet with charms representing all the different lessons for the weeks we had “Club”.
While these moments are remembered as priceless, I have to say my connection with each of the girls was the greatest treasure to me. Because of the time spent with them, I felt bonded to these sweet “princesses”. Each with their own personality and gifts. I poured in time, love and energy to each one.
I received the greatest gift – their friendship. Now when I see any of the girls, they are quick to come give me a high-five. They smile and talk to me as if I am one of their peers – not just their friend’s mom. I am able to be in a place of influence in their lives. As I continue to pour into some of their lives in the future, who knows where that may lead? God does, and He has plans for each of these children.
Can I encourage you moms? As you begin to think about the new school year, ask yourself, “How can be in a place of influence with my kids’ friends?” Start a group after school in your home. You won’t be sorry! I thought I was blessing them, but in the end, they were the ones blessing me!
