Becoming A Princess...

One of my favorite questions to ask a little person is, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The answers are fairly predictable...likely I will hear the words fireman, teacher, or mommy in the response. But every now and then, a little angel will say (with blushing cheeks, batting eyes, and a slight curtsy), "I'm going to be a princess when I grow up!" I always indulge them a bit, saying something like, "Wow! I bet you'll make a great princess!" If I have time for some interesting conversation, I may even ask, "Can you tell me what a princess does?" Inevitably the response includes, "She marries a handsome prince and wears beautiful dresses and tiaras!" Now that provides some perspective!

The wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William in the early spring was the first glimpse of "real" princess life for my daughters, and the excitement in their eyes was contagious...it dramatically increased my own interest in the big event.  What girl wouldn't love a real life fairy tale? 

According to dictionary.com (which happens to be a favorite app of mine), a princess is defined as "a non-reigning female member of a royal family."  Royal family?  I Peter 2:9 says something about royalty, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."  What an amazing thought to realize that I am God's princess!  Not because I feel pretty, or have a wardrobe that would dazzle a commoner, but because He has chosen me, and I have accepted!  I didn't have to enter a contest, lose a hundred pounds, cover up my freckles, master an instrument, or be the perfect housewife.  I am simply because of Who He is! And I so needed that today!

I'm reminded, though, that being a princess isn't all about the glamour of the position.  It's about being an example.  It's about really being a part of the royal family...protecting it and advancing its cause. It's about being unable to exhibit more outward beauty than what I possess inwardly .   It's about spending a large part of my day doing the King's business...because, in fact, it's all about Him.  It's also about choosing each moment of each day to remember that I am different, that I am held to a higher standard.  People will be examining my life.  Period.  Would Kate say that her favorite part of being a princess is that she is watched all.the.time by people who adore her as well as people who can't wait to see her fail? Probably not, but she would also tell you that it comes with the turf.  And that if she keeps proper perspective and clear communication within the royal family, she can, with confidence, overcome all of it. 
My girls think it would be cool to be a princess.  I can't blame them...it's a girl's dream.  But to think that I get to train them to be princesses in God's royal family is just more than I can imagine!  What a responsibility, and what an honor. 
I've been scouring our local library and mediamobile for God-honoring materials to use as classroom supplements.  I came across a book that we will hopefully acquire for our own library.  Emilie Barnes is a fantastic author, and this book for little girls is a perfect fit.  I would recommend it for your own little princess!

Be blessed as you walk in royalty today!