The way they grow...and a year ahead

 
Our second son turned 4 this past week. Seems like yesterday I cuddled with that sleeping little newborn. He's growing into himself now. He loves anything superhero (particularly Buzz and Spiderman) and he tells me he wants to fly (and i ask him not to try). He is eager to serve others, and loves to give gifts. He is something of an artist, and has taken a lot of interest in coloring and writing his letters this past year. He is passionate (or dramatic), and when he is upset his cry can make you want to hide under a pillow! He's tough as any "all boy" boy, yet his favorite colors are pink & purple. He loves to ride his bike super fast. And he loves to hold & kiss his baby brother.
 
Celebrating another birthday, and thinking over how these boys grow has made us ponder the things that really matter. Our greatest desire for our children is that they grow to know and serve the Lord their God with all their heart, mind, and strength. That they love their neighbors as themselves. And as they grow, we realize more and more that this is not going to be an easy thing for them. They are now under our wing, by God's grace. They are able to grow and learn and mess up with our guidance and direction. All too soon they will face many trials and hardships of their own, out in the world, and they will have to choose whether to go God's way...or the way of their flesh. It is a scary thought. Praise the Lord that He is sovereign, and even my tender Mama's heart doesn't have to worry day in and day out about these things. When I think of it all in the "big picture" view it can take my breath away. Maybe that's one of the blessings of this busy time of life with little ones. We don't have time to really think on all that they may one day face. It's just too overwhelming. Yet the Victory has been won. And we will continue to pray... 

Thank you, Lord, that you give us so many tender moments with our boys as they grow from little to big. Thank you for giving them to us to care for and hold and protect for this short amount of time. May they grow to be warriors for your kingdom, brave knights who love and obey your Word. And may we not take for granted any of these days...even if they sometimes seem long and tiring.

That brings us to the year ahead... I don't have any crazy resolutions, and my husband doesn't really either. Just simple ones. To be wise & intentional with our time. Good stewards of these bodies we've been given. To trust Him more deeply. To walk on the path He has set for us...on level ground.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD!
I have fled to you for refuge.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! ~Psalm 143:8-10

A blessed 2012 from our family to yours!