Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Whose Child is She?

"Whose child is she?"

A question jokingly asked in our house frequently. Whether it is the "concerts" with complete with microphone & guitar, a fashion show or the occasional meltdown with screaming and carrying on, I often look at my daughter and wonder. Whose child is she?

Lately I have noticed something different in the way Isabel plays and how she speaks about when she's older (or how she says it..."old and married"). She has decided when she gets married they will adopt orphans so she can be their mom. A tender heart has emerged with a passion I am floored by.

I stood in the hallway the other day listening to Isabel "teach" the imaginary orphans at the school she runs in her bedroom. I was floored by her patience and laughter with the game. I listened as she taught them of God's love and her love for them. I listened as she sang to them and cuddled them. (Okay, yes I do know they are invisible, but in her game, in her head, they are not).

Then last week as the kids' quiet time was wrapping up I walked by her bedroom and saw all her play money spread all over her bed in piles. "Whatcha playing?" I asked. "Well, mom," insert flash of a dimpled grin here, "I am selling things with my princess cash register to get money for the people who don't have any. Then they can come to me and I'll give them money to get what they need."

I cried. Right there leaning on her door jam, I cried big, overwhelmed tears. Whose child is this?

When I regained my composure I hugged her and explained that I am amazed by her love for people and just in awe of the heart that God gave her.

Moved, I was today. (and apparently channeling Yoda in my writing)

I went in search of a project our family could do. Something to help Isabel take her heart and really touch people for Jesus. Something that would allow her to do something for these orphans that she loves in her heart and in her imaginary world.

Soon into my online research I found myself getting discouraged. Everything I found was about giving money. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to supporting organizations but this was about more than a check. This was about making service real for Isabel, for our family.

On a whim I submitted a form asking an organization called Orphan's Lifeline International explaining a bit about Isabel's heart and what I was searching for. Within minutes I had an answer back that we could make blankets, hats and clothing for orphans right here in the U.S..

When I told Isabel she covered her mouth in shock and then she cried. Big, overwhelmed tears. With tears still on her cheeks she began to smile, "Okay, we'll start with a blanket and clothes. When can we get to the store, mom?"

Whose child is she?

God's.

And if He is moving the heart of a five-year-old to provide for His children imagine what He'll do with her life. Imagine what He could do with our family.

So this afternoon's homeschooling is cut short. We're off to put our shoes on and go to the store. After all, there are orphans to be clothed and blankets that need to stitched together with love. And there is a 5 year old whose view of Jesus and the world is about to get a whole lot bigger.

One last thought, as I read James 1:27 (look after orphans and widows in their distress) to Isabel over her snack today. I said, "See how your games and desires are matching up with God's word."

"Yep," she said. "Cuz that's why God made us. To love. So when are we going to the store?"

(right now, baby girl, right now)

8 comments:

Kissed by the Creator said...

How precious! Mom, you are doing a great job. I remember my homeschooling days and the teachable moments when my little charges taught the mom a big lesson. One of the things we used to do was visit Old folks homes. The kids were a hit. They got to see that w/o spending any money they could be a blessing by just investing time into the elderly. It was really an immediate gratification way to serve. They saw the smiles and laughter that were brought into a dark and solem tv room. Blessings as you continue to nurture this sweet child. We can always learn from children...check out my blog when you get a chance: http://kissedbythecreator.blogspot.com/2010/11/reckless-abandon-of-child.html

Danielle said...

Tears. That's what's stinging my eyes right now... and filling my heart for your precious one. How the Father must delight in her!

May God continue to grow in her a passion for those in need!

Valerie Webb said...

If our hearts were only as focused and caring as hers, Jesus would be overjoyed!

Runner Mom said...

How precious! She has her sweet mama's heart that loves to give to others! She is watching all that you all do. I would have needed the kleenex right along with you!
Love you!
Susan

Fields of gold said...

Big, whopping tears here too!! Oh Wendy, your heart must be overflowing with delight and joy. Thank you for sharing Isabel's heart and the journey Christ has her on. I love this story and yours, and her, obedience to the Word. Love, Love, Love it!!

Love you!
Sam

Anonymous said...

wendy,

i keep coming back to your post but haven't commented. today i read it in full instead of in pieces.

sister, she is *your* child, too.

so moved by her heart, and yours.

xo

Isabel said...

MK,

Thanks for the love. I am blessed by you!

xoxo

Danielle said...

I KNEW I had read this, but reading it all over again has touched my heart in a new way. Precious is that daughter of yours!!

I have a meeting with some of my girls next week and I will bring this up and see what they want to do.;-)