Bearing through full days of whining, correcting defiance, cleaning throw-up that goes through the cracks in the wood floor, experiencing nights without sleep trying to get fevers down, placing consistently in your vocab the words "share", "be kind", "no", and "say please, thank you, no thank you", wondering if the varnish is going to wear in the time out corner, dealing with sibling rivalry, etc.....But then seeing the personality bud, having a very serious conversation about Winnie the Pooh, hearing the unexpected "I love you", receiving a hug that makes everything feel perfect, praising God when the spiritual understanding blossoms, catching a glimpse of smiling between siblings during prayer time (yes, I peeked), seeing a new developmental milestone as the highlight of the week, answering the most simple of questions that open windows into their worlds: this is life with toddlers, and it's amazing!
What a great gift each stage of life is, but I definitely think this is my favorite.......so far.
It is so nice to know that some of your friends are going through some of the exact same thoughts/stages right now. Yes, it is such a blessing to see their very own, individual character developing. We were so blessed to have a Indian student (Hindu) over the other night while decorating and to listen to Liberty tell him all sorts of things like: "we are celebrating baby Jesus's birthday, baby Jesus is going to grow up and die on the cross for our sins", etc. God sure does use children doesn't he and in such a simple, yet profound way!!!
ReplyDelete