LESSONS LEARNED

From infancy we are constantly learning. Lessons taught by our parents, our teachers, our church, our mistakes. Everything we do, we learned from a lesson. So thinking about what to write, I started from when I was a little girl. My parents guided me through my life, taught me right from wrong, taught me respect, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, faithfulness, and most of all they taught me love. I love them for the lessons learned.

Mommy, help me tie my shoes,
the laces like ribbons of my childhood,
crisscrossing dreams and small adventures,
a simple knot, but it holds me tight.

Mommy, teach me my numbers,
the way they dance like fireflies in the night,
each one a step into the world,
counting the stars and my laughter,
as we sit in cozy corners,
the sunlight streaming through the window.

Daddy, teach me to ride a bike,
the wind a whisper in my ear,
balancing on two wheels,
freedom gliding past the fence posts,
with every pedal, I soar.

Dad, show me how to dance,
the rhythm of your steps guide me,
as we twirl in the living room,
the world fades, and it's just us,
lost in the music of love and lessons.

Dad, teach me to drive,
the open road beckoning,
hands on the wheel, confidence growing,
with your calm presence beside me,
I learn to navigate life's turns.

Pastor, teach me about Jesus,
the stories woven into the fabric of my heart,
his hands reaching out,
comfort in my smallness and uncertainty,
as hope blooms in the quiet moments.

Jesus, thank you for the lessons learned,
for every stumble and rise again,
for the hands that guide me,
and the love that gathers like a warm embrace,
leading me home, each step echoing grace.

Written by Mia Ball 2/24/2026 in honor of everyone who taught me lessons