A New Normal

My three little monkeys are finding the most adorable joy in climbing up the family step stool to flip onto the couch.  This Saturday morning, Pandora is playing in the background, and rather than my usual frustration with the shouting and sisterly banter, my heart is bursting with joy that I'm here in this place.  What a gift it is to see my one and a half year old play with her big sisters.  We're turning a proverbial corner and I can see it happening right before my eyes.  No more babies (at least for now) are lying in Rock-n-Plays or sitting up in Bumbos. There are no baby gyms or walkers or Jumperoos hiding out in the corners of our living space.  Just a one, three, and five year old playing "family" together in this moment with a card board "Ninja Blender" box I just received from Amazon. I think this is the first time I've taken note of this.  I'm glad I did because it all happens so fast.

In exactly one week, my first born baby girl starts a new chapter in her life.  She starts kindergarten.  It's a new chapter for her, but it's also a new chapter for me--one that is bitter-sweet. 

The Kindness of a Mirror

Have you ever glanced at a mirror after a long day and been shocked by what you saw looking back at you? A couple of weeks ago, we went to McDonalds with some close family friends after an afternoon at the beach. My friend came back from the bathroom shocked that I didn't tell her about the sand that lined her entire neck. I laughed because it really was a lot once she pointed it out, but to be honest, I didn't even see or notice it.  Then when I came back from the bathroom, I asked her how she let me leave the beach with such crazy hair.  I'm talking Medusa level crazy--saltwater, windblown, static electricity all combined.  

Sometimes even the best of friends fail to notice our shortcomings. We may see something in someone else that seems a little off, but oftentimes we're so self-focused that we can't pinpoint what it is.  Usually though, good friends will let us know when they see something seriously wrong.  Maybe not sand or hair issues, but real heart issues--depression, struggle, isolation, distance, judgement or gossipy tendencies.  Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Let's be those friends who tell one another when they need to look in the mirror. Let's BE those friends who point one another back to the Gospel that we so often forget or neglect. And let's NOT BE those friends who get defensive when someone does point us to the mirror! Let us welcome the truth that is spoken in love. We humans are flawed, and we'll never quite get it right on this side of heaven, but it's a good reminder to keep your eyes open for ways to encourage and sharpen those around you. Speak the truth in love.

I hope I never forget that it's the kindness of the Lord that leads me to repentance. God's kindness has lead me to the understanding of the grossness of my sin and my need for repentance, but ultimately my need for a Savior.  Though it doesn't always seem kind, it truly is the kindness of God that tells me to look in the mirror. To see my sin and turn from it.  

"Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4

Lily is FIVE!

This post is about a month late, but I want to remember her fifteen years from now just how she is, even if that's 5 years, 1 month, 1 week and 5 days old... :)

We knew all along that we'd be on our long summer trip for her birthday this year, but it still seemed weird not celebrating our girl in the backyard with a pool party.  From Daniel Tiger (1) to Curious George (2) to Doc McStuffins (3) and finally Sheriff Callie (4), it was strange not to have a themed party this year.  I missed it actually... I love her summer parties.

Instead, we celebrated her 5th birthday with Grandma, Auntie Suzu, Uncle Jeff, Ruby and Winston at The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky!  We woke up at an Airbnb in Louisville, dined at her favorite breakfast spot--Denny's--and headed to the Ark.  We got there a little after noon when it opened and enjoyed their buffet.  Afterward, we toured the exhibits and headed to the newly opened outdoor playground.  Everyone had a great time, and I think it was very memorable birthday!  Later that evening, we headed to Indianapolis to meet some cousins' cousins, blow out some candle and catch some Zzzzzzz's. It was a lovely day :)

To My Dear Five-Year-Old Lily,

You are so inquisitive.  You remember things that seem strange for a five year old to remember, like friends who moved away over two years ago, or Grandpa John Santa throwing a baby doll off the roof of grandma's house and hearing jingle bells in their chimney when you were two.  You really impress me.

I have no doubt in my mind that you'll do great things in your lifetime!  You'll likely be smarter than me by the time you're in high school, though I'm sure you'll think so looooooong before that.  You love to learn:  how things work, processes, routines, and equations--a lover of logic. You are your father's daughter, and I love that about you!

You are very thoughtful.  You are always thinking of others, always making artwork or picking flowers for friends and family members.  You are a planner and a rule follower.  You like to know what to expect next and you want to know the acceptable boundaries that go along with whatever situation you find yourself in.  I think it makes you feel comfortable to know as much information as possible, and it also drives me bonkers! 

You know your alphabet, all of your sounds and can sound out some three letter words when you're in the mood.  You're really good with directions and remember states well. 

You finished AWANA Cubbies this year and are excited to start SPARKS and kindergarten in just a few weeks! You tried your hand at ballet and gymnastics this year and loved both! You're also a great swimmer :)

You're a wonderful helper in the kitchen with mommy and and hard working with daddy in the garage.  You know your kitchen gadgets and the difference between a sledge hammer and rubber mallet.  We love teaching you things and watching you learn every single day!  You are a wonderful big sister and enjoy playing with both of your little sisters.

You have a sweet love for Jesus and His Word.  You want to share his love with those who don't know Him.  We hope and pray that God will use your simple and genuine faith this year at school as you start kindergarten.  Let his light shine through you as you love those around you, sweet one. Happy 5th Birthday! 

Mark 12:30-31  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”