Do you remember this rhyme (or maybe a limerick-I don't know the difference)
Good Better Best
Always Do your Best
Because when your good is good enough
You better doing best
I probably don't have that completely correct but that is how it goes around in my head! I think everyone has a little OCD over something and mine is over words. I will repeat one word or phrase over and over again in my head until something else takes its place. Now-mind you I don't always have all the words correct-but I know what I mean. This little rhyme is been playing in my head lately because Annabelle has started to understand the idea of being good at something.
I really noticed it when she started her new school in February. Things were a little different there and she was asked to do things she was not made to do before. Like drink from a cup and take responsibility over her belongings. So-she was VERY eager to show me how she could drink from a cup. Each time we sat down to dinner, she no longer wanted her straw for her milk she wanted to drink straight from the cup! She would smile so big while she was drinking that I am surprised she could swallow, but she was so proud of herself. She would put the cup down and say-Annabelle you are a BIG girl! This continued when she would climb into the car seat all by herself. Each morning, I hear her deep little voice saying-Annabelle you are a GREAT climber. You are such a big girl! Of course, I repeat these words of affirmation and make a big deal of her accomplishment all the while worrying a little bit how much she likes praise.
Italo and I noticed since Annabelle was about 3 months old sitting in her excersaucer that she liked to press the buttons that made noise because she liked when we clapped for her. If we were not in the room, she would clap for herself-but clapping had to be done! With such a big heart for words of praise-I worry that she will feel the need to be better than anyone else and that this need will drive her into dangerous territory. I want her to want to do well-but she does not have to be THE BEST. I pray that it will be enough for her to be pretty, smart, godly, friendly etc without the need to be prettier, smarter, godlier or friendlier than anyone else. And I really don't want her to feel the pressure to be the Prettiest, the Smartest, the Godliest or the Friendliest. So-the next time you see me, help keep me in check to build my daughter's confidence without building her ego. And most importantly help me teach her that these qualities are From the Lord and FOR the Lord not for herself.
Colossians 1:16 - For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities: all things were created by Him and for Him
