Early this morning before breakfast I was talking and laughing with the kids. Today they seemed to be feeling particularly inquisitive, which I really enjoy. I always love answering their questions and watching how their young minds process information. Well, for some reason, all four of the Hobbs children wanted me to recount their toddler years during our discussion. We covered everything from the names of their imaginary friends, silly habits they've since outgrown, and the kinds of funny pictures they each drew for me before learning to write well.
Although little 4-year-old Kaleb, the youngest, is at the beginning stages of his learning journey, in his mind, his days of being a baby are so yesterday. "I'm not a baby anymore," he tells me all the time. "I'm a big boy now!"
So during our talk today, he chimed in confidently with his eyes stretched widely while nodding his head. "I can draw Diego mommy and I can white (write) lettows (letters)!"
"Yes you can!" I assured him. "You're such a smart boy," I grinned broadly as his caramel cheeks glowed with pride. As we spent time together on this chilly day, the kids and I shared a lot of chuckles and hilarious stories that really took me back. I can hardly believe my oldest daughter, Kyla, will be celebrating her 12th birthday this Friday.
My, how time flies.
After our conversation, I hugged them all and told them how much I love them. "Are you always gonna be my baby?" I asked each one while smothering them in kisses. "Yes mom," they giggled and rolled their eyes playfully as if to say, "Here Mommy goes getting all mushy again."
Love my babies! Through each phase and stage, they have my heart.
And God loves us just like that, too... through it all. He nurtures us even through our silly, immature, and underdeveloped phases. He pushes us, encourages us, and helps us believe in our ability to be and do greater. He lovingly guides us through all our ups and downs. At every turn, He is there. And like the proud parent He is, our Heavenly Father rejoices over us as we grow, all while never releasing us from His grip.
Knowing we are loved this way should bring us comfort daily. It should serve as a constant reminder that we don't have to worry. God will teach us the things we need to know and will be patient with us as we go through our process. As long as we stay firmly in His hand, one day we'll look back and see how far we've come, all with the help of the Lord.
TODAY'S PRAYER: God, I just want to say thank You for loving me through it all. Even as I grow and develop I am thankful for Your patience, kindness, and guidance. Help me to always rest in Your love and be confident that You will compassionately teach me all the things I need to know to develop into the mature, capable, and prepared vessel You knew I would be even before the foundation of the world. I thank You in advance. In Jesus' name, Amen.
