That Beauty Came Out of Me?!

I'm a mommy. If you're new here and didn't know, I actually have 4 munchkins. Are you a mom? If so, you understand that they go through periods of being weird little people. They are needy humans. They can be silly and smart. They can be creative in good and bad ways. They're always full of surprises. As Psalm 127:3 says, Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. 

Sometimes I forget that:

• back in the days of the two a.m feedings
  
• when the school work doesn't match my expectations
  
• when sibling rivalry is at a high 
  
• when behavior and respect seem to be on vacation
  

I don't always feel the reward of parenthood. Is that too honest? 

Then, suddenly, I'm caught off guard. I'm filled with remorse for taking them for granted, for missing that special thing that only they can add to my world.

In a flash, I see God's fingerprint on my children as they light up with gifts and talents I can only dream of possessing. I marvel over the reality that they really are something truly special, not just because they make me proud, but because they reflect Him in the way they use their own unique gifts. 

As I sit and admire their abilities and giftings come to life I cannot help but scratch my head and whisper "that beauty came out of me?"

I wonder if God gets this feeling washing over Him when the gifts he planted in us start to take root and blossom. Does He beam from ear to ear and think "I made that". I hope I evoke that feeling in Him with what I write and how I use the gifts He's equipped me with.

An awe washes over me and I realize how blessed I am that His love extends generations. 

My oldest daughter has a bit of her mom in her in that she likes to write. She's begun to write songs and her skill is improving. Her voice is beautiful. 

Someone stood in my corner years ago when I said I wanted to be a writer. They didn't tell me it was a silly dream or speak can'ts over me. They said "do it" and gave me the tools to succeed. I hope I can begin to do that with my daughter and attempted to take steps in that direction today as I pushed her to share her gift, dream big and sing loud. 

Here are two songs we recorded out at the lake today. Nature sang along. The first song is an original and the second was written with help from my daughter's best friend. Enjoy!