The Great Unexpected Joy Gift

I remember waking up from a groggy half-sleep and seeing the wonder in his eyes.

Peering over the edge of the bassinet. Still practically a baby himself. He saw his brother for the first time. It was a sight to behold.

My usually can't-sit-still toddler was captured frozen in awe of this new life. A newborn baby probably seemed strange, foreign to his 19-month-old mind. Yet, I'm convinced I also saw a look of knowing in his eyes. A gaze of love.

Like,  
I know him. 
We are part the same.
I love him.
We are meant to do this life together.

The pain and fatigue of being 48 hours post-delivery were great. But the joy of that precious moment was greater!

Over the last three and a half years, many of my most-blessed moments have come as I stand witness to the love my children have for one another.

The unprompted, tender kisses. The surprise snuggles and cuddles.
Exploring the world, embracing adventure—together.

 

 

 

 

 

My mama love for my boys is beyond what words can hold. I'd give everything for them. My very life if I had to.

Before ever giving birth I knew this love would change me. What I didn't expect was how much my babies' love for my babies would shake me. There is something different, something deep and magical about watching them shower love and show kindness to one another.

Brother giving his last pretzel to the one who dropped his in the sand.

Grabbing hands to run together in playground glee.

Big brother comforting little one during doctor office trauma.

Freely saying, "I forgive you," to the one who caused the goose egg on his throbbing head.

Yes, my boys fight and bicker and bug each other enough to make me lose my mind!

But their love always wins!! And my mama heart-joy runneth over.

And I see with new eyes...

And I wonder with new conviction...

How must God's heart overflow with joy when He watches His children show kindness, shower love on one another?

A long hug. An honest prayer. A hot meal shared. A hand to hold. A shoulder to lean on. Brothers and sisters loving enough to serve one another, to do life together.

 

 

 

 

I think of the years ahead and of course I want my children to love me. I'm their mother. But I think the greatest gift my boys could give me is to love each other hard and long and real all the days of their life.

I think it's one of the greatest gifts we can give the Father, too.