# 0014: Being Humbled

The other day, my oldest told me about a little girl in her class who was sitting all alone, looking sad during recess. My daughter told me she walked over to the girl and asked her something along the lines of what she was doing. She didn't ask what was wrong, just what was up. The little girl told her that she was sad because no one would play with her. Then, she proceeded to name off all the kids who wouldn't play with her. My daughter said, "well, I'll play with you." When they started playing, another girl came over and started playing with them, too.

As her mother, I was immediately very proud of my girl. I had to ask myself over and over, though, "how did she know to do that? How did she know to care like that? How did she know to go over to this sad little girl in the first place, listen to what she had to say and then do something about it? Where did she get that?"
If it was anyone else, but me asking me those questions I'd say without hesitation, "home! She learned that from watching or listening to you, mom! Congratulations, you are teaching compassion!"
But it's me! And I have to ask myself, would I have done what my daughter did or even saw the need in the first place? When did we teach her that? I don't remember. Did we read about it in a book or something? Maybe she got it from Sunday school? We're not around a lot of other kids all the time. This two-days-a-week preschool is our first time around other kids on a regular basis (except swim lessons and gymnastics from time to time). She's the oldest at church and on both sides if the family by more than a few years.
I'm just as proud as I can be of her, but I can't take the credit. It's not like when someone comes up to us at a restaurant to tell me how well behaved the kids are or how the Parents as Teachers educators will remark how its obvious that "someone has been working with her". No, this is her. This is my daughter and her heavenly father's handiwork. If I'm going to take any credit it would be that I haven't screwed up yet, what He has started in her.
Somehow, my husband and I have provided experiences, people, examples and don't ask me what else that has nurtured some compassion and thoughtfulness in her, but I sure couldn't write a book about it!
This story she told me made me so proud of her, and at the same time reminded me that I don't know all the answers to this parenting game. It's a good thing to be reminded of that from time to time... or everyday... whatever. I love being humbled in this way. It not only reminds me that I don't have all the answers, but more importantly shows me who does. If we just keep on loving these little people He gave us with our time, attention, and patience I'm confident He will do the rest- the hard stuff.