Just a Moment

     As a mother, I often find myself reflecting upon those moments with my child that that seem to freeze time. Recently I had a moment with my son where nothing else captured my attention more than his tender heart and actions that communicated so much without any word spoken. 
     The night was like any other. I tucked my son in for the evening and joined my husband on the porch to gather some long awaited conversation from the day. As husband and wife, as well as young  parents, we know how easy it is to let those moments of togetherness slip away beneath the craziness of dirty diapers, countless errands, work, and just sheer exhaustion. After sharing our thoughts on all that the day had held, we went into the house only to find that the baby monitor from our son's room was lit up--he was crying. We realized that his leg had somehow woven its leg between the crib bars and was clearly stuck. Dad quickly made his way to the bedroom and  fixed the problem, as dads thankfully will often do. He then beautifully reassured our boy with gentle embraces and whispers that promised security and safety as he rested. He was placed back in the crib and turned out the light once more. As he made his way downstairs, all seemed to be okay. My husband's protective hugs and gentle words had soothed our babe. Yet, moments later, the cries began again. This was not typical of him, as he normally would go right back to sleep, and my heart knew that I had to listen to my mother's gut: for some reason, there was still doubt in his mind that he was safe to rest his sweet head,  and he needed just one more reminder that all was well. 
     When I entered his room, he sat there with tears streaming down his baby soft cheeks. I scooped him into my arms and brought him to the rocking chair where he immediately buried his face into my shoulder and snuggled tightly on my chest. I rocked in a steady back and forth rhythm and spoke to him that he was held and that he was safe. It was the next moment that is still vividly etched in my mind. Suddenly, between the rocking motion, he propped himself up off of my chest and looked directly into my eyes. He then brought his lips toward me and gently kissed mine as if to say, "Thank you, Mom, for your snuggles that told me I was secure. I can now rest my head and let the night bring me sweet dreams." 
     I will not forget this moment. It was just a moment, but it taught me so much about how the Savior does the same for me. When I find myself crying in the night, I know that He will gently rock me and whisper, "All is well." He will never reject me in my fear, nor will He withhold his love from me when I feel so alone and weak. He is always there, ready to scoop me up in His arms and to hold me tight when the night is just too dark to close my eyes. When I need just one more reminder, He is there and will never leave my side. 

I Marvel at You

To my precious child,
     When I look at you, I am filled with awe and wonder at the miracle of you. I marvel at the beauty of your crystal blue eyes, how they seem to pierce right through my being and reach my soul. I marvel at how your lips form a perfect tulip and how they open and close as you repeatedly utter the words, "Ma, mama, ma..." I am in awe of how your fingers open and close with such grace as you carefully pick up your favorite book and then delicately turn the pages over and over again. I am amazed at how your arms and legs have become so strong--- how you use them to make your way across the  room and then to reach up toward me as your eyes longingly ask for my embrace. Precious child, I marvel at the miracle of you.
     How is it that God has been so good to me? He has brought you, dear one, to my arms and allows me to hold you close each day, to dance with you in gentle swaying motion throughout the kitchen, to pray with you each night as I tuck you into bed. My Savior has brought me a gift by sending you-- a gift so perfect. How did I get to be the one to raise such a beautiful boy? My heart marvels once again at the wonder of it all. I am in awe once more as I think on God's grace, for it reaches far beyond what I deserve, and it blesses me in ways that I do not understand. 
      So tonight, once more I gaze at the beauty of you, my precious child. It is in these moments that I do all that I know to do.  I reach up my arms toward my most gracious heavenly Father, and I thank Him. I thank Him for His miracles. I thank Him for His grace. I thank Him for the privilege of gazing into your eyes and marveling at the gift of you. 

Precious God,
    I am truly overwhelmed by all that you have done. Your goodness to me is more than I deserve.  How do I ever thank you enough for your mercy and your grace? You have given me my heart's desire, and have allowed me to raise a precious baby boy. How can I ever give you all of the praise that you deserve? May my life reflect a grateful heart as I seek your face and ask for your strength each day to raise this sweet boy, your child, in the ways of you. I need you, Lord. I need you. Thank you for your faithfulness and your promise to guide. I love you more than I could ever say.
                                                                                                                 In Jesus' Name
                                                                                                                         Amen