I read these blog entries while holding my 2 month old healthy baby girl. Reading these entries I held my little bundle of "Joy" a little closer, a little longer. I could barely let her go. God has been so amazingly gracious to us by blessing us with such a beautiful, healthy child. However, I know that we are not guaranteed tomorrow or that tomorrow will be as beautiful as today. I know that today and each day I have with her is just one more gift I have been given. I am so thankful for today!
In light of this Thanksgiving holiday and Katelyn's upcoming baby dedication, I am reminded of what it means to be a parent. I am reminded of the important role Kevin and I have in Katelyn's life and that we should "live it well." Katelyn is needing us to give her our best. It is the least we can do for what God has given us. And though she is a gift that we are so thankful for, she is a gift on loan. Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1), we dedicate Katelyn to the Lord. We give her life to the Lord and we will do that by raising her to "love the Lord our God with all her heart, with all her soul, with all her strength and with all her mind (Luke 10:27)." We will pray for her and teach her to know His word. Whatever God's plan for her life we will willingly submit.
Prior to becoming pregnant with Katelyn, I had a dream that I had a child. I was being chased by a fire-breathing dragon who was after the child. I was yelling at this dragon "THIS IS MY CHILD" over and over, all the while the dragon was gaining ground and getting closer. It didn't matter how loud I yelled or fast I ran, I was losing. Finally, I realized I had it wrong and I stopped running, pointed upwards to God and said with boldness and authority, "This is YOUR Child." In that instance, the dragon disappeared and both the child and I were safe. There is safety in knowing we are His. No matter what happens in life we can find safety in Him.
I know that I've only been a parent for 2 months, but I have already begun to realize what gift it is to be a parent. I have the blessed opportunity to "be there." Yesterday, when Katelyn was being given her shots, there was nothing I could do for the pain that she was feeling. The pain was unavoidable. But I could let her hold onto my finger and let her hear my voice assuring her I was there. Though it was hurting me to see her hurt, I never left her side. God does the same for us. I do not have control over what happens in her life, I don't have control over what happens in my own life. But I can give God control. And with each day God blesses me with, I can be there beside her. I can let her hold my hand and hear my voice praying for her to assure her that not only am I there for her, but more importantly God is there for her too!
This Thanksgiving I thank God for the gift of a child, I thank God for each day I am given with her and I thank God for the gift of being a parent.
that was beautiful...and very true!
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ReplyDeleteThank you nikki!
ReplyDeleteChildren...one of the most precious gifts God loans to us. They are His indeed.
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