My day generally starts with a tiptoe across hardwood floors to the coffee maker. After a big cup of black coffee has warmed my hands and de-fogged my brain, I steal a quiet half hour to myself…trying to start the day out right. And trust me, I need it. I’ll read my Bible and just pray or think about things that I’m far too busy during the day to stop and think about. Most mornings the kids cross my mind. When you have your own children, you quickly realize that your heart is living outside your body. Their best moments are your pride and joy and their troubles are your gut-wrenching agony. I’m so hopeful for my kids. I love seeing their personalities and talents blossom. I’m equally scared for the moments that we all must walk through. Hurt feelings, disappointment, bad choices, general heartache. When I pray for my kids, I pray for protection. I pray they’ll make good choices and that their life will be blessed. But, the other morning, I was thinking about how we are who we are because of pain. We can’t have character without walking through some tough experiences. It’s so hard, because I don’t want my children to experience anything painful…but I know that in order for them to build character, they will. And my heart will get a few more bumps and bruises in the process.
