Today, for our Advent Jar activity, Kellah drew out the strip telling us to decorate gingerbread people. We are doing a cookie exchange with our Moms Club on Friday, so I didn't want to make cookies for them to icing and put candy on. We do NOT need any more sugar in this house! We just got rid of 5 dozen sugar cookies yesterday when we delivered the goodies to the Fire Station.
So, instead of edible treats, I cut out a gingerbread person each for Kellah and Kyiah to decorate with scraps of paper I had in our craft box.
Then, I gave them their gingerbread people, the paper scraps, the scissors, and a glue stick. I told them they could decorate their gingerbread people any way they wanted. I didn't want to give any other directions. I wanted to see what THEY could come up with all on their own!
Sometimes, I think I interfere too much.
I try to control the environment.
I try to avoid messes.
In so doing, I think I stiffle the girls' creativity and imagination.
I limit them, and myself really.
If I want my girls to grow up and be strong, independent women who think for themselves, use their gifts, step out to try new things, and confidently embrace the "risks" that come with the unknown, then I need to give them opportunities to do all that NOW.
While they are still young...
and in a safe place...
where they will be encouraged and celebrated...
So...today, I embraced the chaos, and I was NOT disappointed!
I mean, look at Kellah's gingerbread person!!!!
Such detail!
And I didn't help her cut out a single thing or glue anything anywhere.
She chose the colors and the design all on her own!
Kyiah did a GREAT job too.
She may not have paid as much attention to detail as Kellah, but her gingerbread person is HER creation. She was so proud of it and asked me if she did a good job. She most certainly did!
I am so proud of my girls and am thoroughly enjoying watching them grow up before my very eyes. I love seeing their personalities shining through in all they do. I love seeing them develop new skills. I love seeing them become the women God has created them to be.
And yes, I realize they are still only 3 and 5 (well, Kellah has her birthday on Saturday to be officially 5)! It's never too early to teach character and to inspire children to think of ways THEY can make a difference in the world. THAT is truly the heart behind all our Advent Jar activities that we are doing this Christmas season.
Today reminded me how much kids are capable of, and adults too.
Don't limit yourself.
Don't hold back.
If you have an idea, try it.
If you have a goal, go after it.
If you have a dream, make a plan to turn it into a reality.
Your ideas and goals and dreams are NEEDED in this world.
You are made with unique interests and abilities.
We NEED your gifts and talents.
You may make a mistake or two along the way, but you will also help others, change lives, and make the world a better place as you step out and try new things, go on adventures, take risks, and BE the person God created you to be.
You ARE a masterpiece.
You were made on purpose FOR a purpose.
And just as I learned today via Kellah's gingerbread person, you might just be surprised at what you CAN do!
Oh, and get this...the girls cleaned up their mess without a fuss!
Say what?!
Surprises all over the place!
What surprises await YOU today?!!!
You won't know until you
take that first step,
turn the page,
pick up the pen,
push the button,
open the door,
make the phone call,
send the letter,
fill out a resume,
give a hug,
or simply take time to smile.
I don't know what God may be calling you to do or who He may be challenging you to become.
I don't know all the details, but I know He does.
TRUST Him.
I can hardly wait to see what masterpiece He creates in and through YOU!
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