I feel blessed multiple times a day to have children but not just any children. My children - hand picked by God to be apart of our family - each of them so uniquely made to complete us. Their personalities shining through and I see little glimpses of the men my boys will grow up to be and I know my baby girl will reveal her personality more and more each day as well.
My oldest, the analyst, always thinking, pondering, and questioning - always two steps ahead of me, if not more. He has such a deep understanding of God and His affect not only on his own life but in this world as well and yet he is still so young. I am amazed and grateful all at the same time. Adversity is something this child knows well and yet he always presses on. I have learned so much from him. Yes, a mother learning from her son.
My middle son is my steadfast warrior with such a gentle spirit. His personality is most like his dad's. A quiet observer but there in a second to help someone in need. The protector of all who need him but especially babies and animals.
My youngest, the smallest of the three brothers, but full of an energy that just doesn't quit. Always pressing on to push his little body to keep up with his brothers. He continually adds his own personal flair to each adventure and each thing is truly an adventure to this little boy.
My baby girl - the princess. Already realizing that she has three extremely capable entertainers that will surely provide their protective skills to her at every step. Already filled with a femininity, a gentleness, and a delicate touch. Always willing to lean in for a snuggle showing her love and affection in her own special way.
These are my children. My gifts from God.
This morning my youngest son was up early as he is every morning. As soon as the sun peaks through his curtains his little body is alerted that it is time to start a new day - a new adventure, and everyday is an adventure. We travel to far off lands to slay dragons, we build the Eiffel Tower in our living room and that is all before breakfast. It takes a lot to keep this little man busy and I understand why God made him the third son in this family. If he didn't have two ahead of him life would have been thoroughly boring.
Anyway, we paused for breakfast this morning, because that is another thing this child can do....He can eat. Not even 30 pounds yet he often consumes more than his brothers combined. Pancakes are a delicacy to this young one and he actually held the record number of pancakes eaten for the longest time in the Gressman household when one morning he effortlessly consumed 9 of them. This, brought a great deal of shame to his oldest brother until he mustard up the courage one morning to consume 11 of them deliberately reclaiming the record from his 3 year old brother. The 3 year old was oblivious as he was already on to his next adventure.
So we are having breakfast this morning and one of the things that just makes me laugh about this little boy is how serious he is when he talks about all his adventures. We were sitting there and he is going on and on about superheros. He is telling me how high they can jump and the things they can push on their belts. He is explaining how they can protect you - all with the most serious face ever. I never knew before I became a mom that I would have conversations about superheros over breakfast. This adds a whole new pressure to motherhood. What if I mess up the conversation? What if I get the wrong superhero with the wrong set of superhero powers? Well, just like we have taught our children about God and how forgiving He is to us, my boys are graciously forgiving to me. They may give me a funny look or say, "No mom! Batman is the one that can do that," and then they move on to the next superhero topic of conversation. They never hold this over my head to use at later times, bringing it up a year for now saying something like, "Oh yeah, well I would have been able to have true happiness in life if you would have known your superheros better." I know this sounds silly but how often do we do this to others in our life - holding silly things against them for years to come.
I have to ask myself, is this what God had in mind when He talked about a child-like faith? Is there such a things as a child-like forgiveness? Don't children seem to be far more forgiving than we adults are sometimes? So, as we concluded our superhero conversation over breakfast I realized that yet again God taught me something else through my children and for that I am so grateful.
3 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:13-15
