Today I have been reminded of how much the children have grown. Today is my birthday. No, I am not 29 again. I am 32 and I am okay with that. I have been so wonderfully blessed and I just wanted to share. Josh and Joy have been talking about my birthday for the last month. They've been planning little surprises and whispering behind my back. They've been talking to Daddy and planning a shopping trip for weeks. Yesterday, Joey took Josh and Joy to Anchorage to go birthday shopping. They were so beside themselves when they got home. They couldn't stand the wait until this morning. I love their anticipation and excitement.
This morning, I was greeted by a big "Surprise!" from all of my precious little ones and a lively version of "Happy Birthday!" too. They were all so excited to show me what they had gotten me for my special day. Joy had collected papers that Hudson, Bethany, and Brittany had colored for me. Josh had a sweet card he had chosen himself and wrote "Happy Birthday, Mommy, I Love You - Hudson and Josh." (Yes, I started crying) He had a gift bag full of my favorite chocolate and a bright pink coffe cup. Joy has been talking about getting me 'old-time' books for weeks (I love classic and historical fiction). She chose a complete set of Jane Austen books for me. I can't wait to start reading them.
These simple gifts showed me something amazing about my children. They are caring and thoughtful. It is something I have always desired to be myself (not sure I've quite made it yet) and pray that all of the children will become as well. These gifts showed me that the younger children care because they made pictures and cards for me and worked really hard to keep it all a secret. The gifts Josh and Joy chose showed their thoughtfulness because they didn't choose something just because it was pretty or because they liked it, they chose their gifts with me in mind. Josh knows I love chocolate, but instead of getting his favorite kind, he chose my favorite. He got a coffee cup in bright pink because he knows that is the one I would have chosen for myself. Joy gets tired of my constantly having my nose in a book, but she knows how much I enjoy it. She chose the exact books I would have chosen if I had gone myself.
It makes me sad to think that my 'babies' will be 5 in just a few months. I miss having a baby in the house. Still, I am blessed to see my children grow and change into thoughtful, caring people. This growth in their lives is precious to me. I wonder, does God see me in that same way or does He wonder why I am not growing in this area or that area. I understand the great joy of seeing my children grow and become more kind and patient and thoughtful. I wonder if God sees that in my life or if, at times, His heart is breaking for my lack of kindness or patience or thoughtfulness. So, Lord, on this special day, may I not be the same person next year as I am right now. Make me, Lord, more like yourself this year so that next year I can look back and see that I have grown in You. As I seek to raise my children for Your glory, may I not forget to continue to grow myself to become more like You each day.
No comments:
Post a Comment