It is easy for me to think of times when I have fail. Times when I could have done something different that might have caused a better outcome. Yes, I could easily share many such experiences.

God’s grace is sufficient. He knows our weakness and so marvelously takes those times of failure and turns them around when we let Him.

But there was one time that I didn’t blow it. And today many years later my heart continues to thank Him for showing me a better way.

 

It was a busy school morning. Noelle must have been around 7.

She was up and dressed. Had just finished her breakfast.

I noticed the circles under her big brown eyes. She was tired.

The previous night we had spent a long time with her math homework. She’d become so frustrated when she didn’t get the right answer. I’d go over it and over it but math at night is not my favorite activity either.

By the time she went to bed, she was worn out and so was I.

All too soon the alarm had rung.

I picked up my things and she grabbed hers to go to school.

And before we left the house I always gave her a blessing.

Placing my hand on her head I said looking deep into her precious eyes,

“May God bless you and keep you and make His face shine brightly upon you and bring you safely home to mommy.”

Giving her a big hug we walked out to the car.

But I had hardly driven out of the parking space when I heard sniffles coming from the back.

“You, ok?” I looked into the rearview mirror.

Seeing her tear stained face I asked again.

“What’s the matter, Noellie?”

“I just don’t want to go. Please don’t make me go to school today, Mommy.”

My heart sank. What was I to do? She always went to school. This was so unusual.

I glanced back again and then remembered the hours she had spent on that homework.

And that had not been the first time this week.

She really was exhausted.

Like a voice from somewhere I sensed ‘Let her stay with you.’

Frowning I drove the car toward the school and turned into the drop off lane.

You could have heard a pin drop in the car as I pulled up to the place where she usually got out.

Suddenly it was our turn. I knew what I had to do.

“Stay in the car. You are coming with me today.”

“Really???? Oh thank you, Mommy.”

 

That day turned out to be the best day for her as there was a newborn kitten at the doctors’ office where I worked that day. She played and laughed and relaxed.

Her spirits were restored.

 

Thank you, God, for helping me to see things with your Eyes that day.

For giving me the grace to realize what my daughter really needed that day.

It’s just so easy to miss it as parents, isn’t it?

 

Funny, she never did ask to stay home again. It was only that one day.

But as I look back today I know I heard her heart

   and that’s what effective parenting is all about.

Listening to the heart of our child

   And living out grace.