Reflections...

REFLECTIONS OF A FIRST
I have witnessed a first again. This one makes me sad. My heart is so warm right now. My last baby has just taken his first crawling steps today! I am so excited, but at the same time, sad. I will no longer be able to have children. It is hard knowing this is my last baby and watching all of these firsts is the last time I will see them.

But I've got to get on with the cute story. We've been working with him for a few weeks on crawling. He's been sitting up for a couple months now and I've known crawling was on it's way. He could crawl with his hands for a while, but never did the army crawl. We've been scooting his knees along with him every time his hands would make their movements. Whenever he would try to do it, he would just flatten out on his tummy. Today, it was different and so cute! He did his hand crawl for a couple steps then, his tummy would hit the floor. Usually, at this point he pulls up his arms and bends his knees to where his feet are up in the air. It looks as if he's flying through the sky, about to open a parachute. It's also been as if he's been willing his body forward, saying MOVE body, move! Today, after the tummy hit the floor, he scrunched up his knees and moved them toward his arms a bit, then crawl his hands forward, then his tummy would hit the floor again. He looked like a little inch worm! Tonight, he actually made it about a foot and a half, crawling hand then knee. It was so cute. I can't believe it though. Today is over, the day he crawled for the first time. It's gone and I'm so glad I was here to see it.


"YOU'VE GOT YOUR HANDS FULL"
So many people have been saying that to me lately. I don't quite understand why. The other day, the kids and I were out walking the dog. A woman driving by, stopped where we were and complimented the puppy, then asked what kind she is. Then, she looked at me and said, "So, you have four children then." I replied, "Well, no. 5. We have a cat at home." She made some chuckle noise then drove off. Wierd, never had that kind of conversation before with someone driving by. Anyway. Yesterday, I was at the store with Adie and Alex. As we pulled into the checkout line, the woman in front of us turned around and said, "It sure looks like you have your hands full!" I again thought this was wierd and said, "No, it's really not bad." Then I just smiled. I didn't know what to say, but while I stood there the thought about how many people say things like that started to bother me. What are they really saying? It's as though more than one child is insanity. While this was going through my mind, I came up with an answer the next time someone says anything like that to me.

Yes, my hands are full of love, my quiver is full of children, and my heart is full of joy!


THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
I love that song, and our children do to. In fact, I love most childrens Bible songs. They are so fun and they bring sunshine to my soul. Today, we went to the zoo with a group. One of the moms, bless her. I've learned that she can be very opinionated. She's got 6 children and they range from around 16 down to about 4 (I think). I've enjoyed getting to know her, she is a joy! However, today, she said something that really made me wonder, then got me thinking.
She does not like childrens Bible songs that have a deep meaning. They annoy her, in fact she says. I asked her for an example and she gave me, This Little Light of Mine. She also said, "How are kids supposed to get that!" Well, I don't know about every family, but we talk about those kinds of things in our family. And, I know I've heard in their Bible classes talking about shining our lights, sharing about Jesus!
I personally believe that children do need to have some simple songs that have a "deeper" meaning. I believe that children do need to be taught the seriousness of Christianity, in a gentle way. If all they know while they are young is the frills and fun of Bible songs, then how is it going to be written on their hearts and bound on their forheads?

As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. We will talk about these things when we walk, when we play, when we eat, and as we go to bed. We will revel in the joy of knowing the one true God. And yes, we will let our lights shine!