Moments of Pride

There are a few moments when we cannot help but take a panoramic inventory of our lives and feel an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. For the last 12 weeks Courtney has, as many of you know, undergone a transformation. While the challenge in which she participated was to transform her externally, more noticeable to me is the transformation that has happened within. The beautiful spirit that I have always known to be there has emerged like a butterfly, radiant in colorful splendor, from a cocoon.

Being the first to admit she struggles with change, she has risen to the task of overcoming: fear, comfort, discomfort, instability, disappointment, the unexpected, the unplanned, last moment adjustments, frustration, extra complications, early mornings, late nights, temptations, lies, the known and unknown to emerge a radiantly beautiful and confident woman who now feels like the woman I have always known her to be.

Perhaps more impressive than what she has been able to become over the last 12 weeks is what she continues to become. Seeing herself only for her own self-perceived short-comings she struggled to accept the love of her family and her Maker. There is no greater gift in this life than to accept oneself through the love and acceptance of our Father. Embracing herself as a cherished and loved daughter of the King has allowed her to also see herself as I and the kids see her. The profound implications of this single act of renewal cannot be overstated.

I could ask for little more in this life than for this little girl to grow up and be just like her mom.

(The picture of Courtney was taken by a friend of ours who is starting up his own photography business [click here].)