Just wanted to wish everyone a happy 2009.
Most people come up with resolutions for the New Year. I have resolutions, but I will not share those for fear of someone wanting to keep me accountable, and honestly, how many people actually keep their resolutions? :)
But there is one I will share. A simple one. One that overwhelmed me as I was holding Nichole at church. She was snuggled up close to me as she slept through the sermon :)
The pastor talked about the journey of life and I started to picture my life. Then I thought, what will be the "movie" that plays out when I stand before the Lord. Will I see that my life was all about me? Or will I see that my life was pleasing an honoring to God. After all, that is the only kind of life worth living. A fulfilling, rich, and "alive" life. A life full of adventure, of passion, of meaningful moments that are forever etched in our hearts. I want my life to be lived for the one who gave His life for me.
What is the simple resolution?
Love.
Love without bounds. Complete love. Unconditional love. Love that surpasses all understanding.
What a big undertaking, don't you think? A simple resolution, yet so hard! So hard, because I am so in love with...me.
No, I do not expect to succeed every day, there is plenty of selfishness in me. But I can ask God to help me. Not only has He demonstrated the greatest love of all, but He gives it in plentiful amounts, each day.
As I held Nichole, I realized that before Nichole, I did not know much about unconditional love. Sure, I knew God loved me that way, but I did not know much about how to give that. This little baby that to many seems to be "less-than-perfect," has shown me more about love than I ever knew. She might be our guide in teaching us how to love.
So every day, I will pray and ask God to teach me how to love, how to see other people through His eyes.
Our family will never be the same...because of love.
That is a worthy goal to have for the days of 2009. There is so much to learned from a child.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. I think you're right about our little ones teaching us unconditional love. I never would've asked for him to have Down syndrome, but now I can't imagine him any different than the perfect little guy he is. I'm looking forward to 2009!
ReplyDeleteTo fight against sin is to fight against the devil,
ReplyDeletethe world and oneself. The fight against oneself
is the worst fight of all.
Martin Luther
It IS hard, but because of HIS love, we CAN do it! Thanks for the encouraging words. Love the new family picture - Nichole is a doll! As my husband puts it, Janna was sent to keep us in check, daily. God bless your family, aj
This is a great blog...thanks for the comment on my blog by the way. I am feeling ok...just confused and overwhelmed, but I am sure that it is normal. How are you doing? If you would rather email...my email is niwilliac@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThis post is great! :) And the picture is so beautiful. You are a very beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteEllen, can you please tell us a little more about Ellie? I want to hear about her, how are you doing with her, how's her at school, how do you face with problems with 3 year child. You have talked a lot about Nichole last year, it would be nice if this year we can get some posts about Ellie.
:)
Send you lot of hugs and kisses!
Isn't is amazing how one tiny little life can give so much joy and teach so much? This was such a lovely post. Have a wonderful new year! I am sure that it will be full of God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture Stumbos!
ReplyDelete