My Daughter, My Friend

There is nothing so sweet as friendship with my daughter

August 30

After Church today, I spent the day with my oldest daughter and her two children. We went to IKEA, had lunch together, and finally Marshall's. It has been so nice to be with them after all the time apart because of COVID. She is not only my daughter, she is my friend. We were very close when she was young, but the teen years were hard. And the break in our relationship was even harder. I knew our relationship would one day be restored, but it is even more delightful than I had hoped. She talks to me about the sweet stuff, and the hard. I can do the same with her. When she just needs a friend to talk to and vent about the stuff that drives her crazy, I remember not to step into being a mom and just be her friend. It is not my job to tell her what to do and how to fix it. I can offer advice if she is ready or needs to hear it. Mostly, I just try to point her back to God and love her. Today as we pulled into the parking lot of IKEA, we just sat and talked. The kids sat in the back seat watching a movie, with headphones on, while we sat up front processing life. She is married with two children. Her husband is going back to school to get his masters and she is homeschooling her children. She teaches voice lessons both online and in person. She has a lot on her plate right now. Today she just needed to vent a little and get a little perspective. I can see God working in their lives. Very often God refines us and grows us through difficulties. That’s why we call it the refiner’s fire. I feel honored that she trusts me with her deepest struggles. It helps me know how tho pray for them. I am so incredibly grateful to God for such a wonderful relationship with my girl, restored beyond my imagination. I am blessed beyond measure.