This is truly a life to be celebrated! Livy has enriched our lives in ways we never could have imagined. Certainly life has its struggles and battles, but reflecting on the last year of our lives as a family with the addition of sweet Livy is definitely one of the brightest spots of life. It is so fulfilling to spend every day with her, watching her grow and learn. I often feel that I learn much more from her than she does me. Before Livy was born, I prayed that the Lord would place joy in her heart that only he can and that it would radiate and overflow into the lives of others she is around. One very clear thing noticed by anyone around Livy for any amount of time is her loving demeanor. She wants to give and show love to any small person she is around. She has no lens to judge, and she accepts anyone, no matter what. What a beautiful example of how Jesus loves and the joy he imparts to those he encounters.
Although I don't always feel that I know what I'm doing as a Mom, there is at the same time such a natural sense that this is exactly what I was made to do, so much satisfaction and fulfillment in it, even when I get it wrong...knowing that I do get it wrong and that I will fail. But as I was reminded by my hubby this morning in his sermon, Jesus has already passed every test for me. He has already given me an 'A' because of his merit, not mine. Only He can truly empower me as a Mommy every day and provide the strength and wisdom and love that I need. Only He can cause His love to overflow from my life into hers.
Crayons, stained shirts, sleepless nights, giggles, endless diapers, sticky fingers, and sweet hugs and kisses have filled a place in my heart I never knew existed.
Our continued prayer for Livy is what we pray with her every day, that she would never know a day that she doesn't love and know Jesus.
