I have the honor of teaching a pre school-kinder class at our church. Really I say I teach but often times the kids teach me. There is a reason why God's word says we should have faith like a child. Children do not put limits on God. If God's word says it, then they believe it and it's as simple as that. They aren't so jaded by life's disappointments and hurt that they have even the idea that someone could possibly not follow through. They trust God and His Word beyond a shadow of a doubt.
We have been learning all about Super Friends the last few weeks. Super friends help each other, love everyone, stick together, and watch what they say. We talk about how our words are powerful and we have the ability to build someone up or tear someone down.
Today at lunch Nate's dad made a comment to him jokingly and Elam told him, "You just teared my dad down. Super friends watch what they say." After he complimented Nathan, Elam said, " that was good. you just built him up. " I just thought okay he is getting it. What a simple lesson my 5 year old child is getting which sometimes as an adult I can easily forget. We need to build each other up. It all goes back to the old saying your mom taught you, "If you don't have something nice to say, DON'T SAY IT!!!" Also, another thing I have learned (and am still working on) is before you say ANYTHING ask yourself: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Sometimes what you are going to say isn't really mean but it just doesn't need to be said. In that case just don't say it. People spend too much time talking and not enough time listening. We should have a limit like on twitter 140 words or less. lol.
After lunch and spending time with our amazing family we ran home to get Eden down for a nap. Then I had the privilege or helping my two boys (hubby and son) pack for their first ever father/son camping trip. This isn't like a boys scouts one or something where a bunch of people go. This was just my husband and just my son spending time together out in the wilderness (as Elam says). I have never seen a more excited 5 year old little boy or daddy for that matter. My husband was pulling away and saying I have dreamed of this my whole life.
I have had many phone calls throughout the night to tell me of every exciting first they have had. I have heard the glee in my son and husband as they described their first campfire, roasting hot dogs that were bigger than the bun, roasting marshmallows and making smores, going on walks under the full moon that is lighting up the camp site, talking to fishermen, tending to the fire, playing yard games and Elam winning, having a pillow fight, Elam drinking his first grape soda, and telling stories before bed in the tent. I had the honor of praying with them over the phone before bed and reminding Elam that everything he sees around him that he thinks is so beautiful was all created by God's word. He spoke everything into existence and that is why it is so important that super friends watch what they say. He said, "I know mom. Our words are very powerful." He said he looked at the stars and say a cross in the stars and knows that Jesus is there and watching over them.
Then I had the joy of hanging out with my mom and sweet 2 year old baby girl Eden. She ran from me at bed time yelling and giggling, "Mom, will never get me." As I caught her she laughed and laughed and said, "Mommy, you so funny." Then she had us tuck her in and sing MANY songs to her. After our prayers and one last kiss and hug, I went to finish folding the laundry. As I am folding laundry, I hear her singing to herself in her crib, "Jesus u my super herwo. You my staw. My bes fwen." That is when it hit me....I am blessed exceedingly, abundantly, above all I am able to ask or think.
This time last year I didn't know how I would go from day to day watching my kids grow up without their Poppy. Today I realize that even through a tragic loss I can still be blessed. God has good things for me. I will see my dad again someday and so will my kids but until then I will walk in God's blessings and recognize his blessings. You can't walk in his blessings if you don't recognize his blessings because you will never realize you are walking in them. So today I recognize that I am BLESSED! I walk in it and will continue to slow down and see the little things!
