“Let all that you do be done in love.”                                                 I Corinthians 16:14 (NASB)

(My Baby Girl turned 28 on May 10th~ This week I celebrate her life and all that she adds to mine!)

A little known fact about me: I am an expert at “The Back of Hair.” (as established and certified by my daughter)

How did I gain this illustrious title? Years of experience. 

It all started with pig tails and pony tails. Then, I moved on to more complicated things like braids and such. Later, over time, my primary role became the back of hair. I spent so much time on this task that I promised my daughter I would write a book with the same title. For now, this will have to do.

I know what you must be thinking, The back of hair  …  how lame. 

Let me explain.

There she sat, perched on a stool in front of the bathroom mirror. So small, innocent, wide-eyed, excited about the day ahead. There I stood – behind her. Carefully brushing her long, dark hair. Dividing it into equal parts to make the perfect pig tails – complete with ribbons to match her outfit. 

Later, she grew taller and began to mature. Changing hairstyles to suit her age and the times.  Trading her rubber bands and ribbons for a flat iron and headband. She still sat perched on that stool each day, eager to get going. I remained there – behind her – carefully brushing and straightening “The Back of Hair.”

During the many mornings we spent together, we shared time that I consider precious to this day. 

As she grew older and learned to do more and more on her own, she began to need me less and less. However, she always needed me and still does for – you guessed it – the back of hair! You know the part she can’t quite see. 

During her early, cranky years (not to be confused with her later, cranky years) at times I was called on and then forced to wait until the right time to serve my purpose in this task and firmly told my help was no longer needed in other aspects of her little life. I must admit I didn’t always do this with a happy heart. I felt put out. Like this small thing was no big deal. Yet, I tried to remind myself that it was important to her and that, somehow, it meant she still needed me in some small way. So I began to take pride in this job, this position. I began to boast of my expertise in “The Back of Hair.” 

I found the joy in just being with her. I began to do this job with love. This made all the difference. I told my daughter how important this job was for me because no one should underestimate the importance of the back of hair – especially if you are a leader. Those followers are going to notice how it looks back there!

My daughter understood at an early age the importance of the 360 degree view. It all matters – head to toe; but more importantly, inside and out. She often exclaims that people have to like her for who she is and if they don’t “oh, well.” She is fine with that. Yet, she remains consumed by the back of her hair and insists that it be perfect. 

In her doing this, she has taught me a couple of things. 1) Do everything with love, a happy heart. Take pride in all that you do. Even a small task is important. 2) Nothing is too small to dismiss – even the back of hair is important. 

For a while it hurt my feelings that my help wasn’t needed anymore. Then I realized this is the way it is suppose to be. From now on, she may only need me for small things and then occasionally the huge things that life throws our way when we least expect it; but day to day, she is self sufficient. That’s why those random calls on a normal day just to say hello are so special. 

I have come to realize my relationship with God is the same way. 

I think I can do it all myself until I encounter something I can’t quite grasp and then I need His help. I need Him for those things just out of my reach.

We need to remember to use God not as a selfish child but as a mature adult. Checking in just to say thanks. Asking for help on the little things. Including Him in our lives. 

I will be there for my daughter – always – whether it is for the back of hair or something much more serious. God does the same for me. 

When I pray each day, He listens and never fails to be there for me no matter how big or small my request may be. He calls me to do the same for those around me – for my family. I am called to do it all through love. This makes all the difference.

No matter what great titles this world may bestow on me, the one I received from my daughter will always mean the most.