Be a teacup.....

My darlin' daughter turns 12 next month. She has been in full-swing puberty mode for the past six months. Mood swings, wanting to be left alone--yep, that's been all a part of it. I remember it all from when I was her age so I get where she is right now. She and I have been talking about boys, dating and appropriate and inappropriate behavior and how to properly put one in a choke hold if they get fresh. (just kidding.....maybe). My Mom never had this or any chat with me, so everything I learned about boys I learned from my girlfriends at school or....from boys. THAT was not going to happen with my daughter. Boys are fun and relationships are fun, but she needs to know to set the boundaries and not be afraid to stand up for herself and speak up if something or someone makes her uncomfortable.

I was thrilled to hear that in Cassie's Sunday school, they have been chatting about dating, too. This past week, they spoke about morals and virtue and how to be proud of who they are. That they are special and should treat themselves as such and should expect to be treated that way. Nice! The teachers used a 'cup' example and I thought it was perfect:

"This past weekend we looked at characteristics a girl should possess. As part of the talk we introduced 3 types of cups.

Styrofoam cup: inexpensive, millions of them everywhere, disposable: use once and throw away. This could represent the girl who will do anything to get a boys attention but are often hurt and caught in a vicious cycle of no self worth.

Ceramic mug: common household item, fairly inexpensive, find them everywhere. They blend in and trendy but often end up in a yard sale. This could represent the girl who wants to blend in with the crowd. May compromise values in order to fit in only to be cast aside for the latest and greatest.

Teacup: Unique, beautiful, perfect and priceless. Often displayed with honor in a china cabinet. Set aside for special occasions. This is the girl God created them to be. Priceless! In Psalm 45:11 it says the King is enthralled with their beauty. We challenged the girls to always present and value themselves through God’s enthrallment of them and called the guys to always treat girls with the care, respect and gentleness."

Ya know this is a great reminder for anyone of any age to regard themselves as a teacup. Whether dating, or married, in a friendship or on the job..... you should always remember that you are 'unique, beautiful, perfect and priceless' and should let no one....boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, mother, daughter or even a boss....treat you any less.