Sweet Prayers

E is our perfectionist. She gets very anxious if she does something wrong, thinks she has hurt someone's feelings or gets in trouble at school. My prayer for .... well, a long time now, is that God would show me little ways to reverse this in her. I want her to know it's okay to mess up and, at the same time, continue to instill respect and obedience, hoping with God's help she will learn the balance.

The toughest part is knowing where the 'balance' is.

The biggest way this is manifesting itself is not making a big deal over her 'flipping a card' at school (a disciplinary action used by her teachers). She doesn't do it often, but when she does, it's usually because of talking. I'm very patient when she tells me she had to flip a card (I'll confess I used to not be) and talk to her about respecting her teacher's authority.

I've noticed she is not so devastated if she gets in trouble, which I feel is an accomplishment, as long as she still understands there are boundaries. She's always sorry, but I feel the offense in the past never justified the intense anxiety and tears she once had.

Because of all of the above, tonight's bedtime prayers made me smile. After praying for all her loved ones individually, she said very matter-of-factly:

"Father, forgive me for the things I did wrong today. Lord, you know there were many things I could have done better, but we both know I'm not perfect. I love you, amen".

It made me laugh. Maybe she's beginning to understand.

And O's prayer tonight?

"Father, thank you for this day. I pray for all the people in all the world so they wouldn't get any boo-boos and bleed. Amen"

So, you were prayed for tonight. By a sweet 5 year old who cares about your boo-boos.