Children are a Blessing

Tonight my four precious, healthy (other than a sore throat and minor cough) children are all tucked away in bed early. And tonight, some friends of ours are tucking two of their children in bed after attending the funeral of their third child. She was in between Kres' and Wes' age and was diagnosed with leukemia several months back. After a failed bone marrow transplant our Father in heaven is now holding her in His arms. I know our friends find comfort in knowing their child is in the Lord's hands. But as a mother of four happy children, I just can't imagine the pain they are experiencing. So I sit here and I am so thankful that my children are still with me. I am thankful I got to hold them close while watching the "scary" part of the movie. I feel privileged to have hugged them and kissed them goodnight. I treasure our family trip to the pool and a lazy evening stroll to the swings. I am sorry for complaining when they are whiny, for losing my patience when they are disobedient. I thank the Lord for each and every minute with my children. I pray I never take them forgranted. And I pray I never have to go through the pain our friends are, but if I do, I pray I find my strength in the Lord whom I know has each and every moment of our lives in His hands, no matter how many or few our days may be.