Today feels like my birthday. It's not, but it feels like it. Actually, today is my thirteen-year-old fourteen-year-old son's birthday. But, in a way, it's my birthday too. You see, fourteen years ago a new mommy was born.
You know the cliche, "This is the first day of the rest of your life"? That's what February 9, 1996, was for me. What a day! Being "mom" to my three kids has been more wonderful (and more challenging!) than I could have imagined. And Christopher's birth was a great beginning to this parenting adventure. As a baby, he kept me on my toes. He was crawling at five-and-a-half months and walking by seven months. I think he was smarter than me by the age of three (but don't tell him that). He's already read more, and better, books than I'll probably read in my lifetime. And he knows more about sports than I know about...well...anything.
But more than all of that, I see God's grace at work in his heart. It can be tough being a kid. And it can be tough parenting a kid. Every day has its share of joys and challenges-for both of us. But those are the things that refine us. The struggles drop us to our knees, and the fun lifts our hearts in praise. Everyday I see Christopher growing to be more like Christ. There is nothing more that I could desire for him. I can't wait to see what this next year brings!
So, don't blink! The kids really will be all grown up before we know it. Let's kiss our kids a little more today. Let's smile a little more today. Let's enjoy every moment today. Because each minute is a precious gift from God.
Happy birthday, Christopher!
Photo credit: KingsleyRN
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