Cherish

As I swayed and bounced and bounced and shooshed, I considered how much he has grown already. My sweet baby boy is nearly 11 months old and I am in awe of the beauty of God's ultimate creation: babies.

Even though it was 5am, he had been awake for over an hour. I was trying to get some work done in my office, but his fussing had started to become more frequent and so I swooped in and rescued him from whatever the trouble was (teeth? earache? insomnia?) and just held him. He was so big in my arms, yet so tiny when compared to his four older siblings. As I held him, I thought of my friend Amy. Amy and I have never actually met, but she is a fellow photographer. She and her husband have two children who have been diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy, a progressive degenerative brain disorder with no known cure. I have spoken of their family in the past and even held a fundraising event for them once. Because they are expecting the worst at some point, yet hopeful for the best, they seem to have a clearer grasp than many on what is truly important in life. She always signs her blog posts with three simple words:

Hug your babies.

So often I forget what matters. I forget to stop and smell the roses with my kids. I forget that they are my priority. Their dreams are important. They need to hear "I love you" over and over again. They need attention, affection and a listening ear. So often I am too busy, too tired, too....whatever. And I miss those moments.

Don't miss those moments with your kids. Our children are the greatest tangible blessing the Lord will ever give us. Cherish them. Love them. Take time for them. Listen to them. And hug your babies tightly.