I wasn’t in her life for long, but every day counted. Cara needed a grown-up to help her for a little while – and thankfully, that job was mine.

One morning we met at a local department store to shop before the public arrived. Every year, through the generosity of some special donors, kids like Cara get the opportunity to buy the new clothes they need to begin their school year. She was starting first grade.

As we waited for the other kids to check in, we planned what we might need: new shoes, shorts, jeans, dresses, and shirts – some, she hoped, in pink and purple, and maybe something with “sparkles.”

“And a backpack,” she added, squirming with anticipation. I was already tallying our list in my head, and hoping I could stretch my allotted dollars by finding some good sale items.

When the organizers gave the word, we stood up, and Cara took my hand. We fast-walked to the girls’ department, and the hunt was on.

In less than twenty minutes, my arms were full of possibilities – some Cara selected herself, and some I lobbied for – and we headed for the dressing rooms. Already they were jammed full of kids and their chaperones, some spilling into in the hallway, but Cara wanted a room – so we waited.

Once inside, I became the “holder” as Cara carefully chose the first outfit. She dressed herself quickly, allowing me to un-tuck hems and smooth wrinkles. Then she looked in the mirror…and smiled a megawatt smile. She liked what she saw. She looked back at me and I nodded enthusiastic approval. Then, she opened the door and did a turn for another volunteer seated in the floor outside.

“Oh, look at you,” the woman said. “That’s so pretty on you!”

We did this with each outfit. Cara dressed and smiled at herself in the mirror, twirled for me, then showed her new friend outside.

After about the third clothes change, she came back in, threw herself across my lap, looked up shyly (but with no remorse) and said “I’m showing off.”

“I know, sweetie,” I said, “and that’s okay.”

I didn’t mind. I would not have begrudged her one instant of feeling chosen and lovely and thrilled to be given so much at once.

Sometimes when God blesses me, I forget to twirl. Or, I’m ashamed to openly celebrate, in case His giving was accidental, and He might want His riches back. I hide my delight, as if it were vain or unacceptable to be giddy in His sight. It is not.

”O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” wrote David. “They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” (Psalm 34:8, 5)

Like Cara in sparkles. Like me in His goodness. Let the twirling begin.

© Leigh McLeroy 2002