"You're Not My Best Friend"

Yesterday, I got on to you for something--I can't even remember now what for. But, afterward, you were partly stomping and partly huffing as you walked through the kitchen.

You turned to me and declared, "You're not my best friend!"

"I'm not?"

"No," you said.

"Why not, sissy?"

"Because you got mad at me."

I thought quickly for words to say.

This summer, already, you have hit a major growth spurt mentally and physically. I know that my words, my actions and reactions are seriously contributing to your growth and development. I realize, sometimes frightfully, that everything you hear and see me do will impact you in the long-term.

"I didn't get mad at you," I said. "I got on to you. I will always be your best friend, but I am also your Mommy and that means I have to teach you right from wrong."

You thought for a milli-second about that and said, "Oh. Okay!" and gave me a big grin.

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You surprise me sometimes...often. I love your free-spiritedness. I love your passion, your liberty, your level of sensitivity. You are three months from turning four years old, but sometimes I think I am talking to a 13 year old. You are so smart, so beautiful, so deep...already.

I will tell you right now--your Mommy is not perfect. I cringe at all of the mistakes and missed opportunities when it comes to teaching you right from wrong, from mentoring you. But it makes me pray harder, BEG God to "cover" my mistakes with His love and guiding hand. I trust Him to do that.

One thing is for certain, Elizabeth Psalm: I will ALWAYS be your best friend, whether you grow to like that or not! And I will always be your Mommy who loves you FIERCELY and FOREVER.