Had my first parent/teacher conference today. Jayla is a model student, a joy in the classroom, very compliant, socially liked (in fact, the teacher said she was 'chosen' by the other students). All fantastic news.
This afternoon, as I think about my dear, beautiful daughter I am burdened. Burdened by the thought there are girls her very age who strap their baby siblings on their backs and walk for miles on a quest for potable water, day after day, carrying huge pots back to their homes. Burdened that I speak to a teacher about my daughter's ABCs and 123s when little girls, just like mine, will never have the chance to receive an education. Burdened by my inconceivably fortunate "lot" and burdened by the notion that I must do something today to give. So, I am (really we are, my extremely generous bread-winner husband and I).
My prayer for my Jayla is that as she ages she will grow to realize how blessed she is, and that she too will be burdened to give. Sweet, sweet girl.