Danielle’s blond curls brushed Mother’s shoulder as she peered into the stew pot from the barstool.

Each afternoon, she watched as her mother prepared dinner. She pretended to stir, twirling her soda straw as if it were a spoon.

“Sweetheart,” Mother said, handing her daughter the squeeze butter and dinner rolls, “please help Mommy by putting these on the table.”

Mother continued to stir, content that her daughter was away from the boiling stew. Suddenly, Mother realized the house was quiet.

“Danielle, are you alright?” Mother called.

Danielle was fine; she was drawing little butter faces on the dining room table. “I did just what you told me to do,” she responded. “Umm! Mommy, these taste good!”

For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

~Psalm 139:13-14a KJV

Mother looked into Danielle’s innocent blue eyes and adored her butter-drenched curls. Enough with my To-Do list, she thought. She had many chores vying for her attention, but she knew what she would do. Today, I will focus my attention on this precious daughter of mine, she thought. She lifted her little girl, handed her an oversized wooden spoon, and approached the stove. Together, mother and daughter stirred the stew.

“We’ll fix dinner together until you’re a big girl,” Mother said. “But soon, you’ll be able to cook on your own.” Mother opened her recipe book. “Do you want to make cookies?”

Danielle’s eyes widened. She shook her head yes, and squealed.

“Well then, pick out a mixing bowl.”

Danielle reached for the biggest bowl.

Mother giggled, imagining what the flour would look like in her daughter’s wispy hair. Surely it would encase those butter-drenched curls! Did it matter though? It did not. Mother was determined to help her daughter discover her God-given talents.

Today, Danielle makes the best desserts around. How did she become such a gifted cook? It began on the day Mother recognized the significance of butter and curls.

God deposits within each of His children, innate abilities. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide the resources and opportunities necessary for our children to develop them.

Share ways you can help your children find their God-ordained talents.

Lord Jesus, help me to provide opportunities for my children that will help them develop the abilities You have place3d within them.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Creative non-fiction

Copyright 2016: Butter ‘n Curls: Diane Virginia: All Rights Reserved

Published: May 14, 2017: The Vision Magazine: Pentecostal Publishing House, 36 Research Park Ct., Weldon Spring, MO, 63304