First Day of School, Fall 2012!!!

My heart is full today. As the girls left off to the first day of school, I am reminded of just how quickly the time flies! They are growing up WAY too fast!

Today is Steffen's 20th birthday, as well. (Birthday post to come later today.) Excuse while I go and have a good "mom" cry. I love these kids!

I often think of a poem written by Edgar Guest when I look into the faces of my own children. I know Edgar is focusing on the loss of a child in particular in this poem, but it serves as a powerful reminder to me that EVERY SINGLE day with my children is a gift! A gift to be honored and treasured. I do treasure them, and will continue to thank God for every day that I get to be a part of their lives.


To all Parents

"I'll lend you for a while a child of mine," He said. "For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief, You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain, Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done! For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay; But should the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"
-Edgar Guest

Love,
Shannon