Sweet Innocence

Lately my son has said some things that just make me well up with love, pride, just emotion! There are times he can be so sweet, like this morning for example, he's been sneaking into our bed in the early hours of the morning-which is kind of getting on our nerves...he tends to wake up pretty early. This morning, after his usual barrage of wake up mommy techniques, "mommy, I want you to wake up....the sun is out...I'm hungry etc." he laid his face next to mine, looked at me and said, "mommy-you look beautiful." So sweet, he can be an angel when he wants to be! He must be on a roll, because he did the same thing yesterday when I was getting him ready for church...I was putting on his shoes and he looked me over, noting..."mommy, you look really beautiful!" I've asked Josh before, where has he heard that? I don't use that adjective to describe him, I'll say he's handsome, cute, etc. Gabriel is so sweet to Josh and I...he tells both of us constantly and I do mean constantly that he loves us...this morning, he was outside in his sandbox and he starts shouting for me. I came outside in a hurry and he goes..."I love you!" Ha ha! He'll shout to us from other rooms that he loves us...it's so sweet, I pray this is one trait that sticks! One of his other favorite things to say to us is that we're his best friends. Josh and I used to play off one another and then Gabriel figured it out, so he told us that all of us were best friends...such a peace maker! He tells me daily, "mom, you're my best friend." I treasure the tenderness and innocence of his age...he is truly my joy!

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

What Does Easter Mean to a 2 Year Old?

I was raised a charismatic Christian. I grew up with the knowledge that the Easter bunny was a secular distraction from the reality of the true meaning of what Easter actually stands for, Christ's sacrifice; his death and resurrection, plain and simple. So when I had my own child, I wanted to make sure that he understood...during this very confusing time of eggs and bunnies, that a very special thing happened. We still hunt eggs, take pictures go to festivals and give baskets, but this year I thought that he might be able to understand a little more of what Easter means. I got out his Beginner's Bible and I read the section about the betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection. We talked about it and then we thanked Jesus for his love for us. This was Thursday because Josh was going out of town and we did our little family celebration early...so tonight before going to bed I asked him what Easter means...he told me, "it's about God, and Jesus dying on the cross", I said and what else...he said, "and then, Jesus rose!". My heart about pounded out of my chest!! I couldn't believe that my 2 year old comprehended something so profound, and not only that but something that was read and explained 2 days prior! Tears welled up in my eyes as we wrapped up our time together and headed off to bed. There really are no words for how proud I am of my son tonight!! I believe there are mighty things in store for our Gabriel, which by the way, means "hero of God"!