A Mother's thoughts on 10-29-08

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the JOY we have in the presence of our God because of you?" - 1 Thessalonians 3:9

For as long as I can remember, my mother has shared a sweet gesture with her girls. Whether we are sitting in church, driving in the car, a waiting room, etc......she will lean in, pick up your hand, gently pat or rub your hand, and sweetly smile. No words are exchanged, you just smile back. It's a way she says "I love you.". It was the other day when I caught myself doing this very thing with Adler. My in-laws were in town and I was sitting in the back seat with him, sharing his world from his perspective. I picked up his little hand and rubbed it between mine. It was then I realized just exactly what my mom was really doing during all those sweet moments. She wasn't just saying "I love you". She was saying....

I remember when I first held this little hand...

when this little hand first held my finger....

when this little hand picked up it's first toy....

it's first bite of finger food.....

it's first crayon......

first back pack.....

I know she was thinking these things because that's what I was thinking as I looked at my now toddler of a baby. His hand is so big now, we can almost inter-lock fingers! (well at least the tips of mine) This of course all occurred in a matter of three seconds because that's how long you have until they are moving on to the next thing and hand holding wasn't on Adler's list. But it was just enough to remember how quickly this time I have with him is going by.

My sweet Adler turns 2 today and I am overflowing with gratefulness. He has brought SO much JOY to mine and Stephen's life. God brought 1 Thessalonians to me today, and there are no better words than "how can we thank God enough for you?". Adler, we love you so much! Happy Birthday!