When Did She Grow Up?

On a recent Sunday morning I met my husband in the kitchen before church. He leaned toward me and whispered, "Did you see our daughter today?" Something about his tone caught my attention; it wasn't critical or upset but rather, wondering. 

"No, why?" I asked.

"I couldn't believe it," he replied in bemusement. "She came up to me and said, 'Daddy, does this look okay?' and when I saw her I was shocked. She didn't look like a little girl at all. She looked like a young lady!"

When I caught a glimpse of our daughter a few minutes later, wearing a pretty dress recently handed down to her from a friend, hair nicely combed and with the new curves that come with pre-adolescent territory, I understood her daddy's reaction. My heart swelled with emotion, both towards my growing up girl and my husband who is usually so practical but this time was swept off his feet.

I tucked away the moment to treasure, aware again how fleeting is time. This morning I was inspired to write down the memory after reading a bittersweet post entitled, "Did you teach them?" It started with just such a scenario:

"I suppose it is normal to have a sobering sense of time when you look up from your desk, caught off guard by the young woman walking through the door, only to realize it is your own daughter.

When did she grow up?"

I echo the question, When did she? I am reminded to love my girl and each member of my precious family a little harder, today.

Take it easy, Time. You are welcome to slow down ...