In the midst of living busy, over scheduled lives, where home was simply the place you laid down your head before the next succession of days, we began to believe that living happens outside of the home.

Our best lives were lived on vacation and at backyard parties, yet Home is where you live. Home is where you really are alive, because home is your sanctuary.

She came downstairs for the third time. It was about midnight. I was tired and frustrated and annoyed. Not a good place for mommy to be.

“What’s wrong now.”

“Mommy, I’m sorry, I just feel weird. I can’t stop thinking about stuff.”

“What are you thinking about?”

“Just dumb stuff. I’m just worried about if people like me. I’m nervous about my play. My mind just won’t stop and I’m just thinking about all kinds of stuff and I don’t like it.”

In that instant my frustration was swept away.

In that instant I saw myself in her blue eyes.

In that instant I was reminded that she wasn’t a little girl with little girl fears, she was growing into a woman with real emotions and hormones and insecurities and fears.

My little girls play with my makeup and shoes, make believing that they are older, fun loving and free.

If I blink, they will be daughters who I hold in my heart, rather than ones who still let me hold their hand. At 11 years old, mama’s shoes are just a bit too big, but very soon, oh so very soon, those heels will be clicking out the door towards new adventure and life.

With every glimpse I see the picture of the coming years. They age. They mature. It’s so beautiful, yet heart wrenching.

How do we really live full and heart filled lives?

The relationship between mothers and daughters is one of God’s growing plans. From the moment the pink bundle is placed in your arms, your heart grows with dreams.

All you want is to be a ceiling that her one day heeled feet will stand on. All you want is your own mama to help you stand.