Sweet Julia has a pretty big burden on her shoulders, but she bears it beautifully. Her siblings think she hung the moon.

They watch her mood, her responses to my requests, her attitude towards her father, and her love of Jesus. Thank goodness my firstborn is an amazing example to blaze a path for the others.

There are days I have to go to her and apologize for something I said. With her, everyday is new for me. It’s the first time I’ve ever had a sixteen year old before.

There are other days that I have to go to her and talk about something that she’s done. Those days are hard, too. I don’t like to point out anything that’s wrong. She’s such a great kid, but I know it doesn’t do her any favors to ignore what’s going on.

This mom thing constantly stretches me. Some days, it pushes me to a point that is uncomfortable. I have to wait on my reaction until I’ve said a quiet prayer to react in love.

Doesn’t it completely amaze you? To think that God deals with His children, in love, everyday. How does He do it? Oh, He loves us so.

For a very long time, I never understood the song, “Oh, How He loves Us.” But each day that passes as a parent, the lyrics to this song unfold before me and I am overcome with gratefulness at the One who I can watch as my example.