Lilly's first birthday

It still hasn't really hit me that she is one. I was taping pictures to a poster board that I had taken of her each month and it was weird to think that I wouldn't be doing that anymore. I felt like a piece of my life and my time had come to an end. No more counting down. No more baby, just big girl from here on out!

As I looked around the noisy room taking it all in, I felt the love that surrounded us. Although not everyone was able to come to Lilly's party, I knew that they were thinking of her and cared about her special day. To see the smiling faces, hear laughter, and see Lilly crawl all over that room with such joy on her face, couldn't have made me happier. To see the joy of your child is like breathing in the fresh air of the first days of spring. There's a peace; a happiness; a fulfillment; a relief.

The more I reflected on the special people who surrounded us I was reminded of how we were made in His image. The love, care, concern, friendship, relationships, appreciation that we have for our loved ones is such a special thing. Without God, how could any of that exist? Without God, how could we feel love for one another? 

As I continue my walk with Christ, I realize more and more how much He truly does love us. This realization became more familiar to me once I had Lilly. Loving a child has to be the closest thing to understanding how much God loves us. Relationships with people have to be our closest connection to Christ, besides being moved by the Holy Spirit, of course. To know love, care or appreciation for a person is the perfect way to try to understand God's love and desires for us. As my love, guidance, hopes and dreams for Lilly grow, God's grow for me as well. When she stumbles and I soothe her, God comforts me in the same way. When she doesn't accept my advice and takes her own course, God gives me grace when I do the same. When she hurts, I hurt. When I hurt, God hurts. The best thing about being a parent; knowing that God loves Lilly far beyond what my human heart ever could. Hard to admit, but very true. 

It's comforting to know that God loves my sweet Lilly. Now to continue to pray that I accept all of the opportunities that He gives me to guide her and teach her throughout her life. Focusing on my own life, my married life, and my walk with Christ are all things I've had to and continue to work on. Adding parenting to the list is an honor no doubt! Knowing a little person is watching your every move is quite motivating to be at your best as often as possible. Thank goodness for God's grace. Hopefully Lilly will  grant me grace and I will be able to do the same for her :)