Adaline, Need More Acres (Scottsvile, KY)

One thing I think our culture misses from time to time is the complexity and gifts our children are capable of offering the world. Not when they grow up, but right now, just as they are. ✨My first three children folded into our marriage quite easily. It was our fourth child that slowed us down, reminded us that parenting is only one small part of what makes a person, and helped me to see a reflection of myself that I may have otherwise missed. Adaline Mercy came roaring into this world with the beat of a different drummer playing in the background. She decreased my work (out there) and created an environment that makes some uncomfortable, but allows others to absolutely thrive. She’s observant, honest and deeply loving. Young children in their age of disagreement, those living with challenges and the person sitting alone are among her favorite people. Not willing to compromise for the group or to seek out the most important or powerful person in the room leaves her vulnerable for criticism and often left out. She’s willing to sacrifice at the sake of following her heart and pointing to the things and people many of us would miss in our compulsion for busyness. Truth be told, I could be doing more if I was to make her less. Praise God for discernment. My hope is that as her mother I’ve held enough space for her to be just who she’s been created to be. Not one day in the future, but today, right now.✨
Self portrait by Adaline Mercy Howell, 8 years old