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.