I really, really love my kids! And other rambling thoughts...

It's funny how much you love your own children and how much they move you, isn't it?

I could never put a price on the way J. tilts his head when he asks me a question -those great, bright eyes and rosy lips and cheeks. I can't imagine a sweeter feeling than his little hand caressing my cheek or holding my hand. I will never tire of hearing him inquire, "Aahh you o-tay, wuv?" if I make a sudden noise or give any indication of sudden pain.

There are no sweeter prayers than those of my 3 year old daughter, who is very free thinking now and can think to pray for a sick friend without prompting...Unless it is those of my 2 year old son who still follows the pattern we teach and lisps out his, "Tay-too Dod foe Mama. Tay-too Dod foe Daddy. Tay-to Dod foe Dit-dah. Bie-bull. Hep obey. Jesus. Amen!"

My daughter says things that mightn't mean anything to others, but I understand them to convey quite a bit.

For instance, when Daddy told her it was my birthday, she said, "Well, blue is your favorite color, so I will look for a blue birthday cake for you at the store. I don't know if they will have one, but I will look!" As her mother, I understand that what she would really like is for me to have a pink birthday cake, preferably with something princess-like about it. But, she's growing older and learning compassion and love and yes, self-sacrifice! It is my birthday and she wants me to be happy, so she would look for a cake to please me, not her. You see how simple her statement was? So easy to laugh or smile and move on, but it signified a lot to me.

Also, along the same lines, our family was having a snack(I can't remember what it was now)together. I pushed mine away and explained to my husband that I was done because one of the ingredients didn't agree with me. F. immediately offered hers explaining that she didn't think any of that(ingredient I've forgotten) was in hers and that she could share with me. How wonderful to have a loving daughter!

These things make me think of Mary and how she "treasured these things in her heart". I feel that way so often about little things that they do or say or even certain looks or touches. I'm sad to think that I can't take slices of time and treasure them in my heart. How comforting it would be to be able to take my daughter's caress or my son's laughter and put it in a memory box. Then, when I'm old and wrinkled, I can pull it out and feel that sweet, soft hand on my cheek again; hear the gurgling sound of my son being joyfully tickled and remember how much I love them and how much they love me and how wonderful these precious days with them have been.

These thoughts bring me to 2 other thoughts:

1- How wonderful heaven must be. My understanding of heaven and being in the presence of the Almighty Creator is that it will be more wonderful than anything we can experience here on earth. Wow. Even more wonderful than the best moments? More wonderful than the memories that encourage me when the day is spiraling beyond chaos? In specific, more wonderful than Steve holding me close? more wonderful than James laughing uncontrollably? more wonderful than the song my daughter made up about me? Wow.

2- As much as I think those memories would comfort me in the loneliness of old age, perhaps I should spread the joy. I think I really need to take the kids to visit some of the elderly and shut-ins. I bet their laughter and struggling speeches would amuse and comfort others, too.

Thank you for visiting Jensie's ramblings. I hope you have enjoyed your stay. ;)