SUCH GOOD GIFTS

Okay, today's post is unabashed Mom soppiness...

This morning as two of my college men were shouldering enormous backpacks, getting ready to head out the door and hit the highway to Martin, they laughed and chatted with their dad and me. These two young men are so very dissimilar. One tallish and bean-pole thin, the other shortish and barrel chested. One, a little quieter and more introspective, the other a bit bullish and quick to express an opinion. They were laughing and talking about a message from their brother and about their upcoming drive. During their commute this week, they've been listening to a series of CD's by Sinclair Ferguson on the topic of biblical manhood.

Anyway, amidst the rush of getting books and coffee for the road and the laughter and banter and scuff of boots, I was very aware of just how much I enjoy these two young men. How much delight they give me. How very grateful I am for both of them, with all their differences.

I have seven children. Yes, they have some traits in common, yet each is very, very different from all the others. Hard to believe that with seven, we don't have any "repeats" - no Xerox copies. And every single one of the seven (now eight! now nine! ...) is such a tremendous blessing and joy to their mother. The two who headed out the door laughing and talking this morning, and the cool dude who says "I love you" by trash talking. The old soul whose eyes flash with an other-worldly fire. The fairy bird, her heart pumping beauty through her veins like blood. The shield maiden/warrior princess. The snugga-bunny. The sure and steady. The brand new eyes with which to see.

Such different souls. Each one wonderful and beautiful and a gift from God.

There was a day not too long ago when, contemplating my great herd of children, about all that I could think was, "I can't wait until bedtime!" They were so small and so needy, and I was so very tired and inadequate.

Today, thinking about these remarkable people, I think "Wow!" I am amazed at God's goodness to me, to give me such gifts, such treasures. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Thank You, Father, for these children. Thank you, Steve, for parenting them with me. Thank you, E and D and G, R and N and T, B and M and H, and you other sweet "children," too - you know who you are! - for being you.

Yes, I am blessed.