Wonderful Moments

When my babies were born they seemed so cute and cuddly, but it was hard to really imagine them as real people. People with their own thoughts and opinions completely separate from me. Of course that comes quickly in the toddler years and there are days you really want them to not be "real people", but rather little robots you can control. But what fun would that be! Because along with all the frustrating, embarassing, and crazy moments that come are also the many times that I am truly in awe of the people they are becoming. It seems like the older they get the more often I see those wonderous moments. I think in some ways Josh and Hailey have an advantage. Living with a sister with severe special needs gives them a lot of opportunities to really show that love and compassion. I am always inspired by the absolute devotion they have for Ashley. But what is truly wonderful is they don't expect anything back or any reward for it. Yesterday, I went to the school to pick them all up and I was in Ashley's classroom talking with her teachers. Ashley started heading out to the van and then all of the sudden I see Josh race by the door in pursuit of Ashley. He carefully followed her to the car, picked up her boots that fell off, ran when she ran, helped her with the door, helped her get her stuff in the car, and when he knew she was settled; he went off to play. The only reaon I know is because I watched it all from the window. He never mentioned it until I asked. When Hailey got to the car she buckled Ashley's seatbelt and was asking her if she was okay and if her feet were cold since she walked through snow in socks. It is watching these moments unfold every day that help us through the trials of raising our children. I wonder if that is how God sees us? He could have made us obedient robots instead of giving us free will. Then he wouldn't have to witness the devastation that we do, but he also wouldn't enjoy those wonderful moments when we choose well.