For a long time, when we'd go to the Walshes' house for Hamiltopia, Amelia would run upstairs to Maddie's room to play with a certain stuffed animal. It was once a tiger before its stripes were loved away. (Velveteen Rabbit, anyone?) Amelia LOVED that tiger. But she knew it was very special to Maddie, and she always had to ask permission to play with it.
Well, when Amelia turned 4 in May, Maddie gave her the ultimate gift--the treasured tiger. Amelia named it "Nala" and it continues to hold a special position. Yesterday Amelia & I went on a neighborhood walk, and she wanted to push Nala in the stroller. It couldn't have been more perfect. A late afternoon sun, a chill in the air, and my beautiful daughter reveling in her love for this very special stuffed animal. Thank you, Maddie, for giving a true gift--something of your own that you treasured that you willingly gave up because you knew how much it would mean to someone else.
I wish I was better at expressing how precious this is, and how it offers little flickers of light on our heavenly Father--sacrificial giving, unconditional love for something the world might consider worn and replaceable. Instead I'll just leave it at that. Nala is special to me, too, for a lot of reasons. :)
3 comments:
So, I was reading your blog last night WHILE you were publishing this post! (Inspired me to get back in the game a bit, myself.) Anyway, the pictures of Amelia say everything that you felt unable to express. (Speaking of pics, did she cut here own bangs to be like Evelyn?) Well, it was really a delight and a joy for Maddie to give Nala. Which also alludes to Jesus, "who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross."
I enjoyed catching up on your life through your posts. ~D
I always enjoy catching up with you. Catching up via the internet just might be the sweet supplement I need during this season of our concentric circles. :)
Okay, so I am long overdue for commenting on this blog. First...I love my girls more and more as I see their lives captured on this blog. Second, I love my wife for taking the time and energy to do it so well. Thirdly, which rhymes with nerdly.....Nala is Alan spelled backwards
Alan
Post a Comment