E: Mom, I'm fat! I'm thick and fat!
Me: (crickets)
E: Don't you think?
Me: Really Elias? You are EIGHT! (that's right people, you heard me right. EIGHT)
No, Elias, I don't think you are fat! You are healthy, but not fat!
Seriously! I was having this conversation with my eight year old son!!! I could not belive that he would even think that! I asked him who told him he was fat and he said no one. We talked about food choices and activity choices and we both agreed that neither of us was making that a priority. I just couldn't imagine that he thought he was fat. Where on earth did he get that from?
Then it dawned on me.
It was me.
I'm the one who is constantly complaining because my jeans are snug (okay... tight) I am the one complaining that my hair won't do just right. I think I need a better attitude!!
This child means more to me than any of you will ever know. He is the apple of my eye and I hope and pray that I am a good role model for him AND for his self esteem.
I need to be a little kinder to myself and talk nice things and not mean negative things about myself, even though I think and feel them because little ears are listening!!!
He is witty, charming, and soo stinkin funny! If I were eight, I would totally be his friend! He is so sweet and caring and so kind. He is more beautiful on the inside than he is handsome on the outside. He has a real heart for Jesus and I can just see him growing in Him and it makes me so happy.
I hope that he knows just how special he is to me and to so many other people. I am praying that from here on out I will be able to give him the things he needs emotionally, spiritually and physically. He is my boy, my sweet angel.
And the very thought of him feeling so badly about himself makes me sad.
So what did I do?? I grabbed the camera, we had a little laugh and silly fest, and I think we both felt better.
I have always had a special verse for Elias. For all of my kids actually. Maybe one day I will go onto that. But the verse that I choose for Elias is
Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plan I have for you" declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
I hope that he knows how special he is to ME, and to the One who made him.
Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a song called "Fingerprints of God". It speaks clearly the message of beauty, acceptance and love....
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and...
Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
Oh, and God's not through, no
In fact, He's just getting started...
