Just got into my bed after the overnight with adorable baby D and spunky baby A. Baby D woke up a few times, but always with a smile on his face, so it was a good night. Baby A slept through the night, so it was a VERY good night. I was just lying here in bed, trying to get some extra hours of sleep, when I hear little H in the next room, "RACHEL! Can I get up? RACHEL! RACHEL!"
I just close my eyes and smile.
Then I remember one moment last November (Thanksgiving morning, to be exact). Lying in bed after the overnight, I hear my darling A ask (while on the toilet) "Where's Rachel?" They answer, "Rachel is sleeping." A responds, "I love Rachel."
I just closed my eyes and smiled. I said a silent prayer to my sweet Father in heaven, "Thank you, Lord."
My Father has blessed me with the greatest gift of all this year in Houston: the gift of love. Not just any love, a child's love. There is nothing in this world sweeter than that.
I think back to a few days ago. I wish I could capture moments in time and keep them safely stored away, so on darker days I can look back and relive the joy. I was outside with C and H while they were riding their bikes. My three babies (A, J, & M aka "the sibs") walk outside. They immediately see me and start running, yelling "RACHEL! RACHEL!" I smile the biggest smile as I see them running toward me with outstretched arms. I get down and open up my arms as they run into me and give me the greatest hug I've ever received. I looked up to heaven and said another silent prayer, "Thank you, Lord." This moment will stay with me forever. The volunteer who was standing nearby remarked, "Wow, they love you!" Yes, and their love has been one of my favorite blessings.
These moments, these sweet memories, these smiles and hugs...they are all gifts from my loving Father in heaven. I know, without a doubt, that with each joyful kiss and "I love you", He is sending His love down upon me. I don't deserve it, but I am so grateful for it.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17
