LOVE IS PATIENT, LOVE IS KIND

My 3yr old daughter has been so attached to me since the day she was born.  Honestly, I only wanted boys, but God in his perfect will, blessed my life with a little princess.  Little did I know what a strong bond was going to be developed between us.  I really find it extraordinary how deep and unconditional her love for me is.  Daddy, on the other hand, doesn’t quite delight in our relationship.  During my second pregnancy he yearned to have a baby girl and be able to enjoy the father & daughter special connection.  Unfortunately during her first two years the love has not been entirely reciprocate. No matter how much effort he has put into getting her attention, she always runs to mommy.  Most of our friends have always pointed out how abnormal our family is as our 6yr old boy is all over dad and our little princess can't survive without mom.  After all, it is well known that boys prefer their mom and girls their dads, which in turns makes us atypical family.  A few months ago, as we were purchasing some furniture, the salesman at the store offered my husband the following advice:  “Just be patient, in a few years, she will only have eyes for you and YOU only!”  I'm not certain if he believed him or not, but surely he's been anxiously waiting for that day. 

I must admit that he's gotten somewhat of a progress during the past 8 months or so.  She now actually enjoys spending time with dad and will even firmly admit that she loves Mommy and Daddy too!  I could see the sparkles in my hubby's eyes when our little princess seems to be finally falling for him…even though mommy is still her favorite.  It's such a nice warm feeling to be an spectator of the whole ordeal.  It actually makes me feel so complete. You see, my dad was very unfortunate to have missed out on my childhood, which in turn has made me desire to not just find a soul mate but a man who would make a great father too.  I’ve prayed for our kids to be able to have that strong adventurous yet warmhearted male figure in their lives. And though they don't understand it yet, I know that one day they'll be so grateful to God for having had such a great man to complete their lives. Yes, my husband is just all that I ever wished for and more!

                                                                                               

I can’t help but to think that in the same manner that my husband so patiently awaits for our daughter to come around, so does God await on each soul to turn to him. His love for us is so infinite and incomprehensible.  But I assure you, that once you open up the door to his everlasting love there are no regrets.

To end my story I must say that patience does pays off!  This past Saturday, our little princess actually chose to go with Daddy to the Home Depot store instead of staying home with mommy.  It was one of those special moments that will be treasured forever and I'm just glad that for a change my hubby got to enjoy those butterfly kisses that I'm always writing about.

“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake…”  2 Peter 3:9a

“..may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. ¹⁹ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:18-19

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MOM AND DAD INTERRUPTED

On Saturday we had a “long over due” couples’ night.  Javi and I went out bowling with two other couples and stayed out from 7p.m. – 11:30 p.m.  At around 10:45 p.m., I got a call from our niece who was babysitting, that my 3yr old Debbie was crying inconsolably calling out for Mama.  We had stopped for a late bite and a chat after bowling.  Needless to say, we rush through our meal as we couldn’t stay anymore…our concentration was gone 14.09 miles east.  We excused ourselves and raced through the highway. You see, normally (which is not seldom) we only leave them for 2 to 3 hours, How dare we took an extra hour or so?  By the time we made it to my sister in-law’s house, Debbie had already cried herself to sleep and Jesse was a bit anxious but sort of entertained watching a movie with his cousins.  We took them to our van and as I was buckling Debbie she woke up and gave me such a beautiful smile.  I could tell she was really happy to know I was back already.  What a warm feeling!  It’s so amazing and almost incomprehensible that these little creatures are so attached to us, parents.  I felt my soul shrink, she had melted my heart. 

Now I’m left to wonder if I depend on God as much as my kids depend on us.  How many times have I missed Him so much that all I want is to see Him, to hear Him and to feel His arms around me?  Have I ever had such loving gestures that would melt my Father’s heart?  I hope I have, because I surely love Him, but I do recognize that I need to completely surrender to His love and will with my all my being every single day of my life.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, Luke 10:27

LETTER TO MY SON JESSE

1ST GRADE - AUGUST 8, 2011

Today, my firstborn, as you begin 1^st grade I can’t help to feel a bit melancholic.  I see your excitement as your new Darth Vader alarm wakes you up at 6:45 a.m., and I also see your fear of the unknown.  Daddy holds you tight in his arms while reassuring that everything is going to be o.k.  I know deep in my heart that everything is going to be o.k., but just like you, I’m also fearful.  I fear for your safety as you’re 6 yrs old now and will probably try more adventures tricks and stunts.  I fear for your appetite and eating habits as you’re so selective and will have to wait longer to be home and have your favorite meals.  I fear for your innocence as 1^st grade is not just the beginning of serious academic learning, but also a window into wicked things that mommy and daddy have protected you from all these years.  But most of all, I fear that I will loose you. 

We walk you to the door of classroom #2.  Mr. Hatter, your new teacher, is greeting all the parents that like us are there to show support to our “maturing” scholars.  You still look a little shy and confuse till you see your friend Brian Sanders.  That’s when you let go of Mommy’s and Daddy’s hand.  You’re so static to see some of those little faces you met in Kindergarten…And I’m relieved to see you in your comfort zone.  It’s also kind of funny to see so many parents like us, just lingering around, showing pride, but at the same time weakness in letting go off their kids.  And there it is, that moment, when Mr. Hatters instructs all the scholars to go into the classroom.  I see you smiling, I see you happy, I see you walking through that door of classroom # 2 without looking back.  There is not time to wave goodbye.  I look through the tinted window trying to catch your eyes but am too late.  I know there are still a few years before you leave the nest but as dramatic as it sounds, this is indeed a symbolic separation

What am I left to do?  What’s the best option? I close my eyes and I ask God to protect you from the seen and unseen danger, to keep you safe and to give you the wisdom you will need when making your own choices.  I humbly ask God to take care of you as mommy and daddy are not there to watch over you, to pick you up, to comfort you, to feed you.  I humbly ask the Lord to broaden my discernment and to help me be as supportive.  I ask the Lord to help your dad and I be the best parents for you as your soul has been entrusted in our hands.  I ask God to give me peace in knowing that letting go is part of the growing-up process and as long as He’s in control we’ll be just fine.  

Love,

Mamá