To Rely Upon

 Lucette has been learning how to deal with friend challenges this year. A necessary, but difficult part of growing up. There has been plenty of talking, praying, strategizing. Successful attempts and failed efforts on the friend-front. It's been a challenge for both of us.

But what I came to realize, for myself, was I couldn't fix any of it for her. Our talking creates open communication and bonding between the two of us. It doesn't necessarily create solutions. And that is okay. Our relationship, our security together, is far more important than any 8 year-old friendship. It just is. And so we talk. And we cry. And we hug. And we smile at each other. And we pray together.

Lucette, I tell her. We will pray. God knows. God allows. God instructs. God loves. You get to learn to take these issues to Him. Develop your own faith walk and prayer life. And I get to stand beside you and pray right along, every step of the way.

This afternoon, while emptying out her lunch bag, she says to me, "Mom, you know these friend problems I've been having? Well, I've realized something. They make me rely on you more." She throws out her trash, puts away her lunch bag, and looks at me. "I love you, Mom."

My heart melts. And I am so grateful. And as she learns to rely on me, I get to point her to the One that is always reliable. What a gift.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

   God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 

I John 4:16