As I got dressed in a purple t-shirt today, I realized that my daughter has changed me. I enjoy dressing comfortably (another word for sloppy :P) without many frills and in the basic colors of black, green, or blue paired with a pair of jeans or yoga pants. I own a few pairs of high heels but rarely use them. I prefer chacos or clogs (or my new Converse sneakers....so comfy!!).On the other hand, my daughter is the complete opposite. Although there are days were she can be found in a pair of sweats, they are few and far between. She loves pink, purple, sparkles, frills, dresses, nice shoes, and accessories. That certainly was not taught by me....it is all her. As the years have gone by, I find myself inserting frills in my shirts, adding a touch of pink or purple to my wardrobe, and heaven forbid wearing a necklace every once in a while. When I go shopping my eyes go straight for the things she likes and I find that there are several things we can both agree on. My tastes have changed because I love her and want to make her happy.
I was thinking how my love for Anna changed something about me. Isn't that how it is supposed to work? Our love for our spouse/significant other should change us. Our love for God should mold us into a new being. Our love for a friend may make us do something different. The love my kids have for me should change them. Now I'm not suggesting we forget who we are and that we should let someone else make us be something we aren't. I'm suggesting that we put someone else before us. It is easy to do that with kids as there is that supernatural thing that sparks inside you to see life differently. But how easy is it to be upset with my husband because he doesn't show interest in my love for something I found on Pinterest but caring less that I have no interest in the Cornhuskers or in football in general. If I loved God, wouldn't it not be too much to set aside 10 minutes a day to spend time visiting with Him not letting my mind wander to the worries of the day. If I loved my kids isn't it worth it to choose to use the patience I have been given to take a breath and redirect their energy instead of sitting in a chair yelling at them. Love can make you be a better person, you just have to decide that you will let it.
