Dear Mia

Dear Mia, 
  Tonight before crawling into bed, I went and scooped you up out of yours and brought you into bed with me. You woke up just enough to wrap your arms around me. Tears seeped from my eyes. Sweet girl, you are growing up too fast.
  I realize more and more every day that I don't have all the answers. Sometimes I feel like a rock star mom, and sometimes I feel like a failure. In those moments of feeling like I failure I cling to the Lord and find new strength in Him. He reminds me I'm not a failure in His eyes, and that when we don't have it all together, it's the perfect opportunity to remember we need Him and His unfailing grace. It reminds us that in our weakness, He is strong. 
  I know that my job is to teach you. And sometimes that means being tough. I know it's good for you. But boy is it hard. When you want that extra chocolate, I hope you know deep down that I want to give you 3 more. In fact, I want to give you all the desires of your heart. And when you disobey, more than anything I want to take all the consequences from you so you never have to feel any pain. But sweet daughter, if you never feel pain, then you will never realize that you are human and that you need a savior. You will never be able to understand the cost of Jesus on the cross. It's ok that you aren't perfect. You will try I know, because you are full of love and have a kind heart, but sometimes you will fall, and when you do, sometimes I have to let you feel the pain. But in your pain you will find hope. You will find grace. You will find beauty. You will learn to cling to Jesus. 
  You are loved sweet girl. Probably more than you will ever truly know. And I know that even when I fail you, Jesus will cover it and redeem it and together we will draw closer to Him. 

Love, Mommy