How Would I Know....

How would I know that someone was calling me…
If my daughter did not shout, “The phone is ringing!” every time it rings two feet away from me?

How would I know what I was wearing…
If my daughter did not announce, “Mom’s wearing tan pants and we are both wearing jeans,” in the car on the way to school?

How would I know that Bobby does not like green beans…
If my daughter did not tell me, in detail, about the random likes and dislikes of her classmates?

How would I know that Barbie’s hair can melt…
If my daughter had not put the doll’s head up against the gas fireplace?

How would I know the importance of summarizing…
If I did not hear my daughter’s twenty minute explanation of a two minute activity?

How would I know how to see beyond the exterior…
If I did not see my daughter’s ability to look past disabilities to see the precious person underneath?

How would I know about the capacity of children to accept…
If I did not see my daughter’s classmates like and accept her for who she is, foibles and all?

How would I know how to ask for forgiveness…
If I did not have to ask my daughter to forgive me when I “blow it” as a parent, time and time again?

How would I know about the capacity to forgive completely…
If I did not see that kind of forgiveness in my daughter’s eyes when she grants it to me, time and time again?

How would I know the meaning of “faith like a little child”…
If I did not see my daughter’s unquestioning belief in God and His grace?

How would I know the blessings of my Christian spouse…
If I had not had to learn to lean on him to get through the tough times?

How would I know the importance of community…
If I had not needed the support of all the parents who are walking this road with me?

How would I know the power of the human brain to learn…
If I did not watch my daughter master those skills which no one thought she would ever accomplish?

How would I know the power of the human heart to heal…
If I did not see my daughter triumph despite abuse no human should have to endure?

How would I know the power of the human soul to hope…
If I did not find the strength, again and again, to hope for my daughter’s future, despite the odds?

How would I know how to persevere…
If I did not have to pick myself up each new day to try again?

How would I know humility…
If I did not have to ask again and again for God to help me, teach me, make me a better parent, and forgive me for my failures?

How would I know the strength of my soul…
If I had not been challenged by God to do what I thought I could not?

How would I know how to trust the Lord’s plan for me…
If I had been unfortunate enough to have things go according to my plan instead of being blessed by His?

How would I know the wonder of love…
If I have not walked this unexpected and blessed path?