As I reflect on this month, I find myself, yet again, in awe of our Lord.
“…let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,…” Hebrews 12:28
My eldest child celebrated another birthday this month and is now one year away from “adulthood”.
As he reminds me of this new status of his life, almost daily, I let him know that I haven’t forgotten within the last 24-48 hours. That I have been there and, God willing, I will continue to be. That, in the quiet when he doesn’t know that I am watching, I see so much of myself coming out of him only further proving that he is my child. I am so very proud of who God is making him to be. He makes me laugh. Sometimes, he frustrates me to no end. And occasionally the frustration and laughter give way to tears. My son, is one of the most treasured people in my life and I am not sure he realizes his importance. Be it youth. Be it a preoccupation with other things and people, I do not know. But, wow. The time where he was just a little thing is gone. He is almost full-grown. A man. Surreal. He will be beginning his life’s journey into the world soon. I pray that we have done all that we could to prepare him for what the world will throw at him. And, in my prayers, God reminds me…
That God looks at us in the same way. That He has been there for all of the good times, bad times, decisions good and unmentionable, special occasions, simple and lazy days, births, deaths, heartaches, debilitating failures, and soaring successes. I can just imagine Him watching us, in our quiet places, with His tender glance as we are mirroring what He has been teaching. That as we grow, He applauds our obedience and draws us closer into the most comforting embrace. In the times where we choose disobedience, He is downright frustrated, to the point of tears, because He knows who we are meant to be and the consequences of our actions are going to hurt. That His laughter echoes in the heavens at our crazy shenanigans as we twirl, dance, and enjoy His creation.
When we tell Him, “Look! At this accomplishment…At how much growth has occured…At how high on the mountain we are…How low we are in the valley…Our hearts hurt to beat…Each breath is hard to take…We cannot see you through our tears…” He reminds us. He replies to our celebratory proclamations and tearful pleas simply…
I am watching.
I am with you.
I have never nor will I ever leave you.
You are growing and changing into who I always knew you were.
You are MY child.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not de dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
And, just like that, He reveals one more part of His heart. I am in awe. Accompanied. Strengthened. Helped. Upheld. Always.
We all are.
What a beautifully awesome picture of grace, love, patience, faithfulness, and family.
Happy 17th Birthday month, son. May you always be reminded that you are a child of God, a co-heir with Jesus Christ. That you are, from the beginning to the end, spoken for, loved, appreciated, treasured, and held.
The Few Days Here 