.learning.

emily, it's not coming out right.

let me see. here, let's try it thiiisss way.

ohhhhh. (groan) now it's ruined.

nope, it's not. besides. what's the rule at my house?

uuhhh... put glitter on as soon as we get inside?

the other one.

oh. mistakes are good.

yup. why?

(sigh) because they help us learn.

you got it. and who loves us even when we make mistakes?

God?

yup.

*******

it's far easier to speak it to a ten-year-old learning to sew

than it is to speak it to my own heart much of the time.

in psychology. in relationships. in adulthood. in faith.

*******

her pillow turned out absolutely beautifully.

and watching her carefully choose and pin and fuss over the fabric

and grin when she showed it to her mom afterwards

was all joy.