2 Corinthians 12:15

Last nightaround 1am (I know this because I was up reading...), Zeke stumbled into my room  and looked at me with sleepy eyes that said "I want to snuggle with you". While I make him go to sleep on his own & in his own bed, I secretly enjoy those last few hours of sleep where his warm little body snuggles into mine; so I hefted him up onto the bed & we laced our fingers together (the kid loves to hold hands when he snuggles).

Then we had a most precious exchange:

Me: I love you.

Zeke: I yuv you mo. Night night.

At that, all stresses and frustrations of raising a strong-willed (somewhat defiant) child just melted away. I realized how truly blessed I am to have such a healthy & sweet little boy. I take motherhood for granted far too often & let the difficulties of toddlerhood define who I am as a parent and who Zeke is as a child. I find myself looking at motherhood as a task, chore, or duty but it's a privilege that God has blessed me with.

 My heart is full of the love I have for that kid and I need to remember to always always show him that.

So here's to another goal for the year: Be a mother (& wife) with more joy & less grumbling.