Our temporary minor problems are producing an eternal stockpile of glory for us that is beyond all comparison. We don’t focus on the things that can be seen but on the things that can’t be seen. The things that can be seen don’t last, but the things that can’t be seen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (CEB)

Two little white sweater vests.  Two little white sweater vests with corduroy pants and sneakers on feet running gleefully through the park.  Two little white sweater vests side by side, so close they almost touch; with corduroy pants and sneakers on feet running gleefully through the park.  Two little white sweater vests, and a mother’s heart that is melting in the beauty of the moment.

For this time is fleeting, the Spirit reminds me.  They are not yours to keep.

And so I close my eyes, basking in the warmth of the sun, thanksgiving flowing out from my soul.  The light and momentary troubles of parenting fade away before the two little white sweater vests with corduroy pants and sneakers on feet running gleefully through the park.  Thank you,  is the prayer I offer as I imprint the image in my mind of my two sons running together in their little white sweater vests.

They will not be mine forever.  They will grow older, more independent.  They will move on from me to create lives and families of their own.

They are not yours to keep.

And yet, there is so much more to do.  So many more lessons to be taught, so many more foundations to pour, so much more love cover them in.  There are tempers to tame, habits to create, voices to encourage and hearts to nurture.  There is faith left to build and character to develop.  Because, they are not mine to keep.

But today–today is a day for gratitude.  Today is a day of Sabbath from the light and momentary troubles of parenting.  Today is a day to marvel at the wonder of God’s creations.  Today is a day to watch the profound beauty of two little white sweater vests with corduroy pants and sneakers on feet running gleefully through the park.

Blessings and Peace,

Sara