Turning 7

Hi friends,

Nick turned 7 today and for some reason it really struck me. Maybe because 7 sounds so much "bigger" to me than 6. Maybe because he is so much bigger than the 4 lbs. 8 oz. he was when I first met him face to face. Maybe it's because he's has freckles across his nose just like I did when I was 7. Maybe it's because I worried so much when he was baby and now he's slowly making his way in the world. Maybe it's because I struggled so much in my relationship with him and now we've reached a beautiful place. Maybe it's simply because it's going so fast. I know everyone warned me that this would happen but in the craziness of three little boys and the chaos of life I don't think I really believed them. In fact, I couldn't wait for this day! My kids are all potty-trained, sleeping through the night and eating on their own - glorious day! And it is - I'm in a new season, not longing for the old one but wanting more desperately not to miss this one. I long to thrive and not just survive.

My boys spent most of their day running around the house with water guns, making mud and riding bikes. To be totally honest, I sat on my porch and shed tears. It was one of those days when you get a glimpse of how absolutely blessed you are and you are undone by the thought. Motherhood is so messy but it is glorious because God is here. He loved me first, I am His child. And now that I have my own children He is present in the mess, the exhaustion, the laundry, the plugged toilets, the birthdays, the laughter and the children's arms around my neck. Over the past 7 years I have felt close to Him and I have felt far but the truth is that He is always right here, filling my home and my life.

I am blessed beyond measure, overflowing.

(A song that I have been starting my day with - love it!! 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman)