Where did she go?

The little princess on the right is my daughter Stephanie. She was almost three years old and a flower girl in Kym's sisters wedding.

I look at photos like this and I feel sad. Where did this sweet little girl go? Sometimes I get disheartened and think that she will never grow into the wonderful person she could. Sometimes I think this obnoxious teenager is here to stay and I forget the fragile little person inside her.

Of course she isn't obnoxious all the time.... sometimes it just feels that way. She can be so much fun, such wonderful company. Sometimes she shows such maturity and concerns for others that it takes me by surprise....and then out comes the monster again. The one who demands, complains and pouts, who is rude, uncaring and disrespectful.

When she behaves like this it takes all my self control to stop myself from snapping, from biting back, from hurting her in the same way that she hurts me. It's hard being the adult sometimes. And sometimes I fail.

I have to keep remembering that the sweet innocent little girl is still in there. She is taken hostage at times but she is still there. And she is still vulnerable. And she still needs her Mum.


Lord, I pray that Stephanie will reach her full potential. That she can use her gifts for your glory and that she will grow strong in your love.