Our baby boy turns 1!

It's so unbelievable that this time last year, I was on maternity leave and enjoying my newborn son. I was still on the roller coaster of emotions, still in awe of God's faithfulness, and still not sleeping a wink. I constantly teetered between shouting for joy, sitting silently in fascination, and weeping at God's goodness. My son had finally arrived. The desert walk was over (for the time), and it was time for the harvest celebration. (How fitting that Brae arrived on Halloween or Harvest Day).

Years of praying and waiting for this moment were a thing of the past. God had responded mightily and blessed us abundantly with our son. For so long, I'd grown so accustomed to being on my knees, face in hands, filling those hands with tears. I'd grown so close and intimate with God, I felt comfortable on my knees. It was actually a little unnerving to leave that place. But, the time had come. God wanted me to get off my knees and move those legs into dancing! It was time for REJOICING!

Becoming a mother has taught me so many things. The most apparent of which is that agreeing to be a parent means that you also agree to allow your heart to forever live outside of your body. That is so true. I would walk in front of a semi truck to save my son. I literally would do just about ANYTHING to ensure my son's safety, security, health, and happiness. He means THAT much to me. He is MINE.

What is even more amazing is that he is actually God's, and that God loves him even more than I do. He loves me that much, too. It is unfathomable that anyone could love my son more than me. But my God does.

My God is good; He is great; He is holy. He provides unthinkable things to His children. Blessings beyond my comprehension. There was a time when I didn't think I could love a child that I didn't bear from my body as much as one that I did.

I was wrong. So, so wrong. Second to God and my husband, I love Brae than anything or anyone else.

Thank you, Lord, that you gave to me so much more than I could even dream. Thank you for my son.

Happy birthday, son. Mommy and Daddy love you so much. But God loves you more.