My daughter...

Her words were precious.  I had not been able to visit my Mom for a few months.  That's a very long time when she is in a nursing home battling Alzheimer's Disease.  As I kissed her sweet face, she said, "I know you're my daughter."  My heart jumped with joy since I was not sure if she would even recognize me. As I later laughed with her, she gave me "that look" while calling my name clearly and emphatically...."Terri."  Then she smiled.  What an incredible gift I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I began thinking.

It means everything to me that my Mom still knew me and called me by name last weekend.  It also means everything to know that my Heavenly Father loves me and knows my name, too.  In a world that has become busy, chaotic and impersonal, it is easy to feel insignificant and anonymous. Yet the Creator, the Great I Am, the Master Designer and the King of Kings...knows me...simple, plain, ordinary me.  

I keep hearing my Mom saying those words..."I know you're my daughter."  I will not forget her sweet, sincere expression as she smiled at me in the way a mother looks at their child.  As this journey of life continues, I pray I will remember that He also calls me His daughter.  May I live the remainder of my days in such a way that He is honored and praised.  Who knows...maybe He will even smile as He speaks my name sometime, too.<3~thl