Getting older is just part of life. Today I realized that, indeed, the little boy is just about gone. He has grown into a true TWEEN. Thirteen years old will arrive on May 19, 2014 and I do not want to acknowledge this change, nor see the visible changes of his first pimple or sweaty armpits that have arrived. As we stood in line waiting our turn for reconciliation a short while ago, he whispered to me after waiting almost 30 minutes in line, “why do people take so long?”. I told him simply that “the older we get, the longer our confessions do too. We have more opportunities to “sin” or do things wrong.” He was satisfied with that, but then it hit…. My baby is gone. He is understanding more and more.
I am treasuring each day with each one of my five children. I can’t change the past and worrying about the future drains me of the energy for today. Christopher’s life gives us unique prospective into how change does happen. One day diapers, the next (at 7 years old) going on the toilet. Conversations have gone from an ongoing “repeat” to at least three or more “on topic” exchanges in the last eight years. As of last month, he can at least button one large button and unbutton about four smaller buttons in a row. Shoe tying, belt buckling and writing his name are in progress, and the day will come that these too will be mastered. I’ll be sure to blog about that too.
His voice is changing, his story is changing, our lives are changing. Although we might not know it today, God has a purpose for our present trials. He never leaves us. We depend totally on him to stay focused on the present moment. The simplest commandment gives us the best insight, “to love one another as I have loved you”. This is the focus of “Know Greater Love Ministries” that we have established going forward. Yes, it is that simple, focusing on love gives us the peace, wisdom and endurance to live each day as it comes. Love inspires us, love sustains us and our stories bring comfort, we are not alone in our trials.
Take a few minutes to discover “Life with Limbs”. http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/media/ Let Nick Vujicic further encourage you to live a life that is full, without limits. Let his love for others and life give you hope and encouragement!