A Gift

Soren is becoming such a funny little boy! He loves to spin. He loves to run. He loves to hug - twice. He says "bless you" when someone sneezes and runs to the door to watch each garbage truck that passes by on Tuesdays. He once kissed his balloon goodnight. He laughs in sheer delight at so many things.

He has turned into a monkey - today I walked in my room to find him in the middle of my (rather tall) bed and later turned in the kitchen to find him sitting in his high chair, having climbed in by himself. He climbs (or tries) the jungle gyms at the playground. He proudly announces "Ta" (as in, "ta da") when he has accomplished some great feat. I watch in amazement as he changes each week.

Soren is a gift and I try to view each day in light of that, especially when I'm hearing the same phrase for the millionth time or having trouble keeping up because of the discomfort of pregnancy. It's a good excuse to ignore the dishes piled in the sink or the laundry waiting to be put away. Those things must be done, but I have a gift to treasure and another on the way.

I read a blog today about little disciples and the importance of raising children as the making of raising disciples. I know there are times when I clearly communicate Jesus to my little disciple, but does he see Jesus in me? Do I live each day in dependence on God? I am trying to start each day in prayer, giving my day, my attitudes, my choices to God. Most days, to find time to do more than that is difficult. But I desire so much more. My little gift deserves so much more. And my God is worthy of so much more.

Today as I read a portion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount this afternoon, I reflected on the following verses: "'So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself."

My God knows what I need. My Father wants to provide for me. My Savior wants me to worry first about his kingdom. And when I get these things right, in the right order, I am much better able to enjoy my gifts and to raise him (and his coming brother) as children who will also seek first the kingdom of God and enjoy the gifts we're given.