This verse has been on my heart a lot lately, for obvious reasons. Looking back on these past 10 months here at Casa, I am starting to see that God has been speaking to me: "Take care of my children." I want to answer His call, wherever that may lead. I trust in His perfect plan.
My heart is overflowing for these kids. C always wants to help. He helped me with dinner last night. Even though he made a mess, I knew that sweet memory was more important than any extra clean-up I had to do. I have learned the importance of focusing on the beauty of a moment - not letting tomorrow's worries invade today's joy. I'm still working on it.
So, as a reminder to myself, here are some reasons to be joyful today:
- The funny way C says my name. Over and over and over. All day long. "RAYCHULL! LOOK AT THIS!" "RAYCHULL! I'M A NINJA TURTLE!" "RAYCHULL! CAN I HAVE FRUIT SNACKS?"
- C asking "WHY?" Over and over and over. All day long. "What color is this?" "Blue." "Why?" I've never met such an inquisitive mind.
- H throwing his food. Every single meal. Why is this a reason to be joyful? I have learned the beautiful gift of patience. Thanks H, but don't do that again. PLEASE.
- Everything about baby D. His sweet baby smell, adorable smiles, giggles, and his latest kick: screaming. He now enjoys screaming. I think it's his way of learning how to talk (that's what I tell myself).
- Baby A standing up by herself! That girl will be walking soon.
- The way baby A laughs when you sing to her. The way she grabs your nose when you're feeding her. The way she gets so excited to play with her brothers.
- Baby D playing with toys AND ROLLING OVER!
- H's excited face when I tell him it's time to read books. The way he clumsily runs over to the bookshelf. The fact that he falls and trips 100 times a day, but gets right back up.
- Seeing the sibs out on the playground and holding them close.
- C singing "Gone, Gone, Gone" by Phillip Phillips (the cutest thing I've ever heard)
When enemies are at your door
I'll carry you away from war
If you need help, if you need help
Your hope dangling by a string
I'll share in your suffering
To make you well, to make you well
And I would do it for you, for you
Baby, I'm not moving on
I'll love you long after you're gone
Like a drum, my heart never stops beating for you
These lyrics perfectly illustrate my love for these kids. I will love them for the rest of my life. Long after we say our earthly goodbyes. My heart never stops beating for them. And that, my friends, is my number one reason to be joyful today.
Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will." - John 13:7
