From those tiny fingers and toes that somehow are able to bend and work despite being so small, to the blood vessels in her eyelids (that to be honest kinda creep me out), to the dimple in her right cheek (just like me), to the random patch of hair on the back of her head, to the extra fold in her forearm, God had designed it all to work perfectly in this beautiful child.
From the giggle I get when I growl at her, to the way daddy can make her laugh by being a troll, to the snuggles I get when she's fighting sleep, to the wide eyed wonder that is so often visible, God is knitting together her personality in ways that are pleasing to Himself. And somehow, He has called us to raise this wonderful little being. I admit at times I'm terrified that I'll do a horrible job, but I know that what she learns will be not from our words but more from how we live.
What she learns about relationships between a man and wife, she will learn from her parents, so we will not shy away from showing affection in front of her. What she will learn about loving her own children someday, she will learn from us and we want her to learn to be affectionate, compassionate, and yet firm when necessary. We want her to learn to love the Lord with all her heart and to seek to preach the Gospel, so we need to be doing that as well. If you ever need to be convicted and know some things that need to change in your life, have a child. It has changed me for the better. Now I am seeking even more Philippians 4:8.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. "
I pray that Aaron and I can raise her in a way that honors the Lord Jesus.
Oh and lately I've been very much desiring to pass out tracts. She's totally going to be my ticket to doing so (just as soon as we decide which ones to purchase). Just look at that face!
Beautiful! Our old pastor used to say, "Parenting advice? Love God and live with your children."
ReplyDeleteShe is sweet!