Marie Antoinette is remembered for her
quote, “Let them eat cake!” I have adjusted the quote to “Let them squeal!”
If
you think squealing is only for pigs…you are wrong! Hope (at 15 years old) has always been our
“squealer.” No she isn’t the family
tattletale. Rather, she has been my
child that to take her outside, to a park, or down a slide…she squealed. She squeals when she sees a friend or goes
fast on her bike. She squealed when we
went to Disney World or jumped in a pool. You get the picture?
This
weekend proved no exception. Hope won the grand prize drawing at an event we
attended in May. It was a two-night stay
at any Marriott in the continental United States. (I should mention, she squealed when they called
her number!) She chose to redeem it by asking one friend to celebrate her
birthday in Marco Island.
From
our entrance in the driveway of the Marriott the squealing began! She squealed
with her friend as we entered their lobby with its a-frame exposed beamed
ceiling. There was only a second of a
notion to stop the girls from squealing as we drove in. However, God gave me a smile and the thought,
“What if you could enjoy life the way Hope does?”
I
made it my goal, that her every squeal of the weekend would be my reminder to
smile and enjoy! Oh how we did! From the
breakfast buffet with its homemade French toast, to the pool with the
slide…Hope squealed and I smiled.
Google images |
With
a fifteen year old who is as tall as me, people would expect a certain level of
maturity. But with every squeal I just smiled. I can’t even express how much I
relaxed and enjoyed her joy. I loved
watching her have fun. Swimming in the
different pools, walking to the Gulf, lying in the hammock, eating ice cream
with an illegal amount of sprinkles. She
squealed and I smiled.
Life
is so short girls. God is good to let me
enjoy a 15 year-old squealer. Each of
your children are enjoying life at their level. Whether it’s your little man
pushing cars complete with “Vrooming” sounds, or your little princesses asking
you to join their tea parties. Will you
make it your goal to join them?
Lay
on your tummy and push a matchbox car. Do a cannon ball into the pool. Snuggle
up and watch a DVD while eating popcorn (and let M&M’s melt in the
bag.) Join your children Mommas! Join their perception of life! Let them
squeal! You could even, "Let them eat cake!"
Google Images |
James 4: 14 “How
do you know what your life will be like tomorrow?
Your life is like the morning
fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone.” ELT
Wow! Thanks Joannie! This is perfect and right on time!!! I have been struggling with one of my little ones maturity (or lack there of) and frankly in social circles so has she :( Many times God reminds me to enjoy her as she is and be thankful she has not yet blossomed into teen mentality :) This is yet another great reminder. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful Mom! In fact with your education, school and little ones, I'm not sure how you have done it...yet I know you have been blessed with a great husband and The Most Amazing Heavenly Father ever!! HE is doing it in and through you. Love you friend! PS I'm glad your teen hasn't fully blossomed yet...there is more time to enjoy her innocence.
DeleteLoved that post... thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know you enjoyed the post. It's an honor to write with all of you!!
ReplyDeleteXoxo :) thanks that means alot! Love u!You and me both!!
ReplyDeleteWow! What an excellent reminder, Joannie!
ReplyDeleteSomeone took your phrase from you! lol
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9Y24MFOfFU