For those of you who have all young children and have not yet reached the stage where you look back wistfully on those (very trying and exhausting) young years, here's what I was thinking of this morning with my 4yo (and remembering this age with my 25, 20 and 18yo's).

There is no opera or classical composition or popular song in the world that is as priceless as the humming and nonsensical singing of a preschooler at play.  There is no Picasso or Monet or DaVinci as valuable as the first finger-painting of a toddler who brings it to you with beaming face and says "This is for you, Mommy".  There are no prize-winning roses as beautiful as those dandelions from the yard lovingly brought to you with a big hug and "I wuv you Mommy".    There is no world class spa that can ease your burdens and give you cheer like an unexpected hug and kiss when the world (and the laundry and the house cleaning and..) seems to be weighing you down.  There is no heart surgery done in the most famous hospital in the world that will cleanse your heart as much as a child's earnest prayer.  There is no greater joy on earth than when your child snuggles up beside you, looks seekingly into your face and with tears in their eyes says "Tell me about Jesus, Mommy".  No job, no money, no cars or house or earthly possessions of a queen or oil baron can buy things as precious as these.  These are eternal gifts.  These are the wages paid to a mother by a loving God who blessed her with children. 

May you have a day where your children are your delight.

-F