Don't say "Just wait..."

When we first got Shelby, I posted a picture of my cute puppy! Someone who had a puppy just a few months older than Shelby commented, "Just wait..."

In our classy little town, not all of us have postal delivery. Ryan and I have to have a P.O. Box. This morning, I walked to the Post Office and back with Adlee in her stroller. On our way home, we came across a man mowing for the city. He slowed down the mower to an idle as we walked by and asked, "How old is your baby now?"

"Almost five months," I answered.

"My little girl is four now," he said. I smiled. "She's a monster! Just wait three years. You'll be wanting to send yours back." I smiled again. "Have a good day!"

"You too!"

Now, my mama taught me an important lesson that his mama must of neglected to teach him: say nice things about your kids, and speak blessings--not curses--over them.

This man is not the only one who has done this. I've heard about how terrible she's going to be as a toddler and how terrible she's going to be as a teen. It's not right to predict evil over a dog, but it is TERRIBLE to predict evil over a child! People need to stop and think before they curse children like that!

I will not ever predict that my child will turn into a monster or that I will want to get rid of her. She may be a very well behaved child. That's what I hope! I can tell already that she has a very sweet heart. I know that she is sinful and will not be perfect, but I predict that on the whole, she'll be a good girl. I chose to think of her that way because that is the way I plan to raise her. I don't plan on raising a monster. I plan on raising a good girl. I don't plan on wishing to return her (as if that was possible). I plan on loving her, guiding her, and helping her past her sinful nature.

This time, I just smiled in reply, but if and when my Adlee is old enough to understand these nasty predictions people make about her, I will defend her! She needs to know her mama believes good things for her future.

Words have power, especially in the ears of little ones. Say good things about your child and his or her future. Say good things. Don't say, "Just wait..."

Love,

Adlee's Hopeful Mama

Jordon