I feel rusty, sitting here, trying to tap away these thoughts quickly before I'll need to start making dinner. How did I do this when my littles were little? How did I blog so freely between diaper changes, and naps, and building block towers?
Oh well. I will try again. Because it is important. It's important for my soul to record these beautiful glimpses.
Today at the pool, Caleb was lamenting the fact that Maddie was "Grammy's favorite" because she'd received a special gift. We all rolled our eyes, knowing, of course, that Grammy doesn't have favorites. I reminded him his birthday was next month, and he was certain to receive a special present from Grammy.
I grinned as I remembered all the times this summer the kids would whine, "Why does so-and-so get such-and-such?! It's not fair!" In response I would look at them with wide eyes, brows raised, and state simply: "Because he/she is my favorite." This was always followed by a stunned silence. You could almost see the wheels turning. Then a smile and groan, "Mo-om. I'm serious!"
I love that response. I love that they know me so very well believing I would have a favorite is completely impossible. They are right, of course. There is absolutely no way I could even consider one child more dear than another. Of course there are times when the company of one is more enjoyable than another. Perhaps they are choosing joyful obedience or are sharing without being asked or helping around the house. However, mere behavior does not have the power to create a favorite. They are all my favorites. They are inherently special - because they are mine. When I look into their blue eyes, I see my own. How could I not love them?
I was reading my favorite book again: A Thousand Gifts. The author speaks of years of Bible study and how she was always focused on what she thought of God. More recently she has focused on what God thinks of her. Of course it made me wonder: What does God think of me?
Oh how my heart swells. I am His favorite. He looks at me and sees Himself. The beautiful (and sometimes confounding) truth is this: we are all His favorites - special and unique and capable of making Him smile. I hope that reading this will spread a little joy in your life today. You (and I) are so loved!
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
I grinned as I remembered all the times this summer the kids would whine, "Why does so-and-so get such-and-such?! It's not fair!" In response I would look at them with wide eyes, brows raised, and state simply: "Because he/she is my favorite." This was always followed by a stunned silence. You could almost see the wheels turning. Then a smile and groan, "Mo-om. I'm serious!"
I love that response. I love that they know me so very well believing I would have a favorite is completely impossible. They are right, of course. There is absolutely no way I could even consider one child more dear than another. Of course there are times when the company of one is more enjoyable than another. Perhaps they are choosing joyful obedience or are sharing without being asked or helping around the house. However, mere behavior does not have the power to create a favorite. They are all my favorites. They are inherently special - because they are mine. When I look into their blue eyes, I see my own. How could I not love them?
I was reading my favorite book again: A Thousand Gifts. The author speaks of years of Bible study and how she was always focused on what she thought of God. More recently she has focused on what God thinks of her. Of course it made me wonder: What does God think of me?
Oh how my heart swells. I am His favorite. He looks at me and sees Himself. The beautiful (and sometimes confounding) truth is this: we are all His favorites - special and unique and capable of making Him smile. I hope that reading this will spread a little joy in your life today. You (and I) are so loved!
For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
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