Monday, April 19, 2010

My Favorite Follower

I have a little gadget on the side of my page that shows my followers.  Some of them are friends that I've known a long time.  Some of them are people I've "met" very recently.  I like meeting new people (and if you're new, I'm glad you're here).  It's fun -- and a little flattering -- to find in the morning when I come to my page that someone else wants to read these l'il ole thoughts of mine.  But I have to admit, I have a favorite follower.  And her picture doesn't appear in the sidebar.  And she isn't a fan on Facebook.

It's Baby Girl.  She's my favorite.  (I didn't think you'd mind.)  She's not nearly as flattering as all of you.  She doesn't leave kind comments or encouraging words.  She's very vocal about her thoughts, and they aren't always kind.  She's even picked up some of my habits and flaunts them in my face.


She follows me into the bathroom and dumps out my makeup while I try to get ready.  She follows me into the kitchen and pulls out the Tupperware as I cook.  She follows me into the family room and spills out the books so we can read together.  She follows me into the living room and climbs on my lap, with a pen in her mouth, as I type.  If I stay too long, she pulls at my hands and voices her displeasure at my lack of focus --on her.  She is an attention hog and is unabashed about showing it.  Her love for me is fierce and jealous.  How can she not be my favorite?

And this is what scares me and humbles me:  she follows me . . . and imitates me.  Father, have mercy on me and help me.  Because this I know right now:

    "In my daughter's eyes, I am a hero.
     I am strong and wise,
     And I know no fear.
     But the truth is plain to see:
     She was sent to rescue me,
     I see who I want to be, in my daughter's eyes.

     And when she wraps her hand around my finger,
     Oh, it puts a smile in my heart.
     Everything becomes a little clearer.
     I realize what life is all about.
     It's hanging on when your heart has had enough;
     It's giving more when you feel like giving up.
     I've seen the light: it's in my daughter's eyes. . .

     In my daughter's eyes, I can see the future.
     A reflection of who I am,
     And what will be.
     And though she'll grow and, some day, leave:
     Maybe raise a family,
     When I'm gone, I hope you'll see,
     How happy she made me,
     For I'll be there, in my daughter's eyes."
                                                   --from Martina McBride's "In My Daughter's Eyes"

I always hope that what I write encourages my followers and inspires them (you) to either laugh or love or live more deeply.  While I write for myself, it is my followers that inspire me to write better and more often.

And while I live for God, it is my favorite follower who inspires me to live better.  For it's in her beautiful eyes that I see myself -- and the reflection I want to see more and more is Christ, the One I follow.


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17 comments:

Merryheart said...

Beautiful. We all need to be so aware that little eyes are ever watching, little ears hearing. And we're always an example whether it be a good one, or not so much.
BTW, don't forget to enter Baby Girl in the "Most Beautiful Eyes" contest this year. She'll run away with the trophy!

Karen said...

Oh, what baby blues...so precious!

Kylee said...

Your daughter is beautiful. I love those pretty blue eyes!

Thanks for stopping by my blog, it is much appreciated. I love C.S. Lewis, too. Most of his stuff goes way over my head, but when I can grasp it, it is incredible.

Off to read some more of your blog, if ya don't mind. Have a wonderful week!

Holly Lefevre said...

That is beautiful. I have an older son and I love him to pieces, but my daughter is the mimic...the one who wants to do what I do...my hubby calls her "Little Holly" yes we also have the same personality. I agree the little ones are the best followers. I love that Martina McBride song!

Thanks for stopping by on my SITS Day.

Holly
504 Main

rachelw said...

Your daughter has the most beautiful blue eyes!
It's scary sometimes how much my daughter imitates me. It's a constant reminder to model who I want her to be.

alison said...

OH my goodness....all she'd have to do is look at me with those big, blue eyes and I'd give her anything her little heart desired! (and I know this, bc I have a blue-eyed baby too who routinely gets whatever she wants...only Ava's aren't NEAR that blue!)

livinginbetween said...

We melt in those baby blues too -- especially her daddy. My eyes are blue too, but nearly as light and pretty as hers. God did good! :)

Unknown said...

Such beautiful eyes! I love that song too and your daughter is a sweetie.

La Familia Garcia said...

I LOVE this post!!

Natalie said...

Absolutely brilliant! Love the symmetry between followers of your blog and your "real-life, physical" follower! Wonderful, wonderful!

Are her eyes real? Just kidding - I know they are but they are stunningly beautiful. How blessed you are!

Natalie at Mommy on Fire
http://www.mommyonfire.com

Unknown said...

My children are my favorite followers as well. My little guy literally follows me around. The older one, not so much, but her actions and words largely reflect that she is my most vehement follower! :)

www.lovemedaily.com

Tayarra said...

Those ARE some beautiful eyes. I keep debating back and forth whether our family is ready for another child yet or not and if that child would be a girl or a boy. What would our lives be like? Part of me really wants another son and part of me really desires to have a daughter. I think this post really fed my desire for that baby girl! I've only read 2 posts so far, but like what I see and read. I think I will be following as well ; ).

Liz said...

OH MY GOODNESS--those EYES!!! Breath-taking!

Laura said...

sweet post and beautiful photo! her eyes are gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

She's precious!

I never knew how much I could love a little girl. What I feel for her is so different than what I feel for my son. I love them equally... just differently. :)

Thanks for stopping by on my SITS day.

~SHANNON~ said...

She would be my fave follower too! She is a stunner!! I became your newest follower anyway though:)

crush. blog said...

what a BEAUTIFUL post. BUT not as beautiful as your daughter's eyes. nothing could be. well except for all of my daughters' eyes. ;)

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