Keep Praying

This past Friday was pajama day at school in honor of Dr. Seuss.  Of course, Briley was super excited about wearing her warm pj's and I was eager to hear all about her fun day.  Once we were home, I started asking my normal questions and she opened up about something that had happened.  One of her classmates, who we'll name "Sweet Child," has had a few not-so-nice things to say to Briley throughout the year.  Well, Sweet Child felt the need to unload on Friday ...
Briley:  Sweet Child said that she didn't like my pjs.
Me:  Really?  I'm sorry she said that.  What did you say to her?
Briley:  I didn't say anything.  I didn't say any mean things back to her.  I never do.
Me:  Had you said anything to her before she said that to you?
Briley:  No.  She just said it for no reason.  She also said that she didn't like my hair, that I didn't have any friends and that no one likes me.
Me:  Wow.  That wasn't very nice, was it?  I'm really sorry she said those things to you.  How did it make you feel?
Briley:  Sad.  I told on her.
Me:  You did?  Did she get in trouble?
Briley:  No.  The teacher (parapro) didn't say anything to her.
Me:  (Rewind.  Sweet Child had also told Briley that she didn't like her dress on Tuesday.  They dressed in their "Sunday Best" for a school program.  So, we had already had a brief talk earlier in the week. ... Jesus, please, help.  Give me the words that you want her to hear right now.)  You know, I'm really proud of you for not saying anything mean back to her.  Why do you think she said those things to you?
Briley:  I don't know.
Me:  Sometimes we say things because we're sad or because someone has said something to us that makes us say unkind things to others.
Briley:  Maybe her big sister talks that way and taught her.  Or maybe her mommy or daddy talks that way to her.
Me:  Maybe, Sweetheart.  I don't know.  Does she have any friends?
Briley:  Well, "Another Sweet Child" was her friend, but she isn't anymore because "Sweet Child" has been mean to her, too.
Me:  Will you do me a favor?  Will you try something for me?  The next time Sweet Child says something that hurts your feelings, will you say something kind back to her?  Like if she were to say, "Briley, I don't like you," or "I don't like your shoes."  Will you say, "Well, I do like you," or "I do like your shoes, hair, etc?"
Briley:  Okay. (grin)  I will.
Me:  She may not act like it right away, but it might make her feel better.  It may also make her say kind things to someone else.  And you know what?  I bet it will make you feel better after saying those kind things to her.  Another thing we can do is pray for her.
Briley:  (Hopping around in a silly but shy way ... ) Okay, I'll try ...

Me:  (6 years old ... Kindergarten ... This isn't a big deal, but it could be ... Yes, it is a big deal ... How is it going to be five years from now? ... I don't want our children to be bullied or to ever be the bully ... One day at a time ... And I will continue to pray. Every day.  For their protection.  For their salvation.  For loving, kind hearts ... To be the mommy that God has made me to be for them ... )

I was sharing this story during small group last night and a friend shared her (very recent) similar, but different experience. Comforting, but sad.  Afterwards, I came across this quote by Proverbs 31 Ministries: "Keep praying. Keep hoping in Christ. He loves your child so very much more than you do. Trust and ask for His peace today, mama."  I needed that last night and this morning.

So, then today happened.  I prayed for her like always and added a few specific prayers before taking her to school, as I was dropping her off and throughout the day.  When I picked her up, she had this peaceful, sweet, light-hearted innocence about her.  And, no, she isn't always like this ;)  She's usually in a good mood when I pick her up, but today was different.  I could instantly tell she had had a great day.  She had a presence about her.  I don't know.  Different.  She mentioned how her teacher was out sick today and the Parapro had to leave before lunch.  So, they had a sub and ended up watching "The Lorax" at the end of the day. Who wouldn't have had a great day, right?! haha!  She shared how one of her classmates had never seen the movie and was scared.  
Briley:  I sat beside her and held her hand until my hand got all sweaty! 
(Love it. She always seems to be drawn to the new student or the ones who need help.)
Me:  That's great, Briley.  I'm so proud of you for being such a thoughtful friend when she was scared.  How was Sweet Child today?
Briley:  She was good and stayed on purple today! (Behavior colors go from purple to red with purple being best.)
Me:  That's great!  So, she didn't say any hurtful things to you today?
Briley:  No ma'am.  She gave me a crayon and I tried to give her a pencil, but she didn't take it.  I think it's because it wasn't sharpened.
Me:  Well, that's very nice.  I'm so glad you both had a good day.  And I'll be sure to sharpen those pencils so that you can try to give her one again, if you want. 

Briley was glowing all day. She had a skip in her step.  One that I pray is there when it happens again.  Because it will.  Many more times, it will happen.  Maybe not with Sweet Child, but I'm talking a year, three years, ten years from now.  It will be worse, I'm sure of it, but when it is, oh how I pray that Jesus will equip her with the right words, the right attitude and guard her heart all at the same time.  

This is hard.  This parenting thing.  Letting go everyday.  Being consistent and not letting teachable, important opportunities pass me by.  Asking God for guidance in raising His children and allowing Him to speak through me.  Not over thinking, not worrying, not wondering, not over-reacting.  Ahhh.  I know I can't do this alone and I don't ever want to.  I need His wisdom, His gentleness, His guidance, His love.  I'm grateful for His grace.  I'm grateful for days like today when I can feel His presence around my family, around Briley.  I'm grateful for that little girl ...  I love her so much. Every single layer. 

God has a plan and I'm trusting Him.