There is a book series that I came across a few years ago by one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado. Its a kids series written about a caterpillar named Hermie. Hermie is a common caterpillar with one unique quality…he talks with God! He longs to be something greater than he is and he is always asking God why he is so common. God always replies with the same answer. When Hermie gets frustrated, sad, confused, anxious he cries out to God and there is the same response from God once more.
My daughter sometimes reminds me of Hermie….she believes she is common, wanting to fit in, looking and acting like everyone else. Like Hermie she is not at all common but very unique! She has a unique sense of style, a very strong will, an amazing tender heart, a quiet calmness when being taught, a fiery flair of actions and words when she is on empty, and one of the most caring, compassionate hearts for others that I have ever encountered in a five year old! She is anything but common. My hubby and I have begun the journey of showing her all the unique qualities about herself. It is our hope and prayer that as she grows she uses her uniqueness for greatness!
I have seen her heart for others displayed in many areas…taking care of her little sister and big brother(although sometimes she can take it a little far when she makes them start calling her Mom!)…helping her friends in class when they are hurt…always, always willing to lend a helping hand around the house…and perhaps the most favorite example of mine is to watch her love on her GG..Great Grandma.
I grew up with my Grandma who came to live with my family when I was 12. As the oldest of six, she became a tremendous help to my Mom in helping care for us. She was always the life of the party, the hip Grandma who was always on the go! As she has aged she has battled and beat breast cancer and now at 87 years old lives in a nursing home as she battles Parkinson’s.
Going to visit her is not easy…its heartbreaking…but we go as often as we can because she loves to see us. My daughter allows her GG to hug her, stroke her arms, point her crooked finger at her and speak to her in a low gravelly voice and not once has she ever flinched or shied away. As we walked down the halls towards the dining hall my daughter visits with the other patients saying hi, giving a wave, or a hug. My daughter has a tender heart of compassion towards others.
Hermie was not a common caterpillar…just like my daughter is not a common girl. Hermie goes on to become a magnificent butterfly that soars and flies in splendor. My hope is that my daughter grows up to be a magnificent woman.
God’s response to Hermie when he was longing not to be common was always the same, ” I love you just the way you are, but I am not finished with you yet. I’m giving you a heart like mine”. Sweet girl, I know that God is not finished with you yet, because He is giving you a heart like His! Love You 🙂
