Precious

Today we were out driving on our spring break adventures, and Emerald wanted me to put her sippy cup in the cup holder.  Instead of her usual, “Here, Mama!”  She happily sang out, “Here ya go, precious lady!”

I laughed because she is such a preacher’s kid.  And, I prayed that what she hears us saying behind closed doors will be filled with much more people-are-precious than anything else.

It really matters.  What our kids hear us say about others teaches them how to feel and think about people.  What we tell them about loving people doesn’t speak to them.  It’s how they see us loving people that makes the difference.  What do they see in us when they overhear our conversations?  Are we teaching our kids to see the precious in others?  Or are we showing them that flaws and sin and annoying habits are enough to make some people worth less than others?

I don’t know if Emerald even knows what the word precious means.  But, I do know that she knows it’s a good thing. She could’ve just asked me to take the cup in her demanding little way, but she chose instead to sing my praises.  And, even though I know that I am light years away from perfect, today God reminded me, through a two year old doll, that, yes, I am precious.  In her sight.  In His sight.

And, so are you.