Gratefulness

Rather than posting a solemn "Eye Update" as I was going to a few days ago I would like to write a little bit about how grateful I am for my children, for their life and for who they are. I have been praying for perspective on the things that our family has dealt with this past year and will be dealing with in the months to come. This week we had a hard eye doctor appointment, a hard preschool conference, and a hard speech therapy appointment. I couldn't help but tell God that I'm tired of the things He has given my child to deal with at the beginning of her life when she will, no doubt, collect more as she grows. Even with perfection growing up is hard so my heart breaks every time we find something that needs "fixed." But then today that perspective I've been praying for hit me like a ton of bricks. In the past 3 days I have had 5 encounters that have brought me to my knees in gratefulness for the ease of my family's hardships. The "imperfections" other friends have had to face lately like inoperable brain cancer, ICU stays, and incomplete adoptions, have been painful reminders of what this earth holds for us. I suddenly realized we never know how long we have here with our children. Our job, our pleasure, is to love them everyday with all we have and pray for more. By worrying about creating the perfectly healthy and socialized adult (which will never happen on this side of heaven) I am missing out on the daily life I have been blessed with. I needed this wake-up call...badly. I'm glad it came sooner than later.
Liv- to me you are a blessing in every way and I rejoice that God saw me fit to be your mom and has allowed us to grow together. And even though I can't wait to see who you will become in the future I will find joy and contentment in each day I have with you and that little brother of yours. And to those we know who are trying to trust in the Lord and grieving for their children at the same time- our hearts and prayers are with you.
Perfection awaits.