With all my heart

It has been over a quarter century since our youngest came into the world.  The joys of a new baby and the adventures of childhood still remain tucked inside the part of my brain that smiles with special memories.  John 16:21 says, "When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for her joy that a human being has been born into the world."

What begins with nine months of anticipation does not end with the birth of your child.  There is anticipation for baby's first smile, first steps, first words... and soon it seems that every year is wrapped with new anticipation, joy, and much love.

Sweet moments of childhood, are revisited again and again through God's gift of memory.  Songs, the excitement of summer, friends, Sunday school, the "grand finale" Christmas present, soccer games, first job, goals, dreams, and prayers. And then, in the blink of an eye, college graduation, a successful profession, and a loving marriage.

The best part of it all?  That God has been there, a constant guide through life, blessing each of us with simple joys, many opportunities, and unfailing love.

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4.



         

Shades of green...

Before our granddaughter was born, I wrote about shades of spring green in her journal.  I thought when she was old enough, these thoughts would give her an appreciation for each small miracle of God.  In my own life, I find great hope in springtime as I survey the branches on a winding parkway, watching for signs of new growth. 

When my mother was living, we would welcome spring together with a favorite drive to experience the new leaves of green. Later, with failing eyesight, my mother wasn't able to enjoy the colors of the season. On my weekly visits, I would describe this glorious time of year while offering her a moment of new eyes filled with wonder. She never tired of hearing about the contrast of greens as their branches waved on a beautiful spring morning.

                                               [source: Mindful Walker]
There are still shades of green as the season progresses now with flowers of various color. Yet, each year as winter hangs on, my eyes look to the trees with new hope.

"The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food." Genesis 2:9.

Childhood memories

As we age, the blessings are in the memories.  Thank God for childhood memories where we can return to innocence and excitement in small doses.  In spring I like to return to the Easter memories of my youth.  When the grass turned green and the world seemed to awaken.  Easter vacation as it was called back then, was long awaited for a simple afternoon of  a dozen eggs and colorful dye. And the day prior to Easter Sunday, special flowers were picked to place on the cross at church.
 1 Timothy 4:12:  "Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

Summer memories bring to mind swimming lessons, and playing diving games at the local pool. Vacation Bible school conjures up the smell of glue for crafts and graham crackers and juice. In summer, special friendships always grew closer and weekly adventures ranged from exploring the local creek to riding bikes through the vineyards. A family vacation, as summer drew to a close, usually meant camping and sightseeing in various states. Rewarding times of togetherness and love.

School years were filled with activities and memories special to each age. Even now, decades later, those times are brought to life through vivid recollection.  And so the years go by and new memories are made especially for our children and our grandchildren. We make the effort for them to experience the simple joys. All because God has blessed us with the capacity to remember own wonderful childhood.

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—" Deuteronomy 4:9.