Five Little Fingers..."The Kissing Hand"

I sit and I stare at the refrigerator, not because I am hungry, but because it is a montage of pictures, drawings and magnets from who knows where. As I sit and I look, I can't help but to stare at the picture of my son's painted handprint. Five little fingers...a reminder of precious cargo. A reminder that I am a Mom and I have a son who loves me dearly. A reminder that someone is watching my every move, listening to my words and watching my actions on a daily basis. In the middle of this handprint is a tiny heart sticker. It's from his first day of Kindergarten. I am taken back to that day... There is a poem attached that reads "It's my first day of school And the "kissing hand" is what we read. It's about a raccoon who did just as his parents said. Like the raccoon's first day at school, I was scared and a little shy. But because of what you said, I was brave and I got by. All through the year, I'll make more things for you. So as I change and I learn, you can see my growth too!" As I look at that tiny handprint of his, I know I am wonderfully blessed. Blessed not only because I am the Mother of this precious child, but because God has given me another day here on this Earth. Another day to love and watch my son grow. Blessed because I have eyes to see him and ears to hear his sweet and precious voice. I am so thankful for those five little fingers. I never knew my heart could love so much. Those five little fingers are going to do wonderful things and I can't wait to watch them unfold before my very eyes. And although that handprint will get bigger and bigger throughout the years, those five fingers will forever be proof of God's handprints in my life.

Forgiveness

What is forgiveness and what does it truly mean to forgive someone? To me, Forgiveness is a reflection of loving yourself enough to move on. First you pray, you love and then you must forgive. Whether you are trying to forgive yourself for a past mistake, or trying to forgive those who have done you wrong...Life will become much easier when you learn to accept an apology that you never got. When we don't forgive and forget, we are only allowing more bitterness to build up inside our hearts. There is no way to travel back in time and fix the mistakes you made. However, you can grow and learn from them. You first must be willing to do this. Pray to God and ask him to show you the way. You can't give something to God then continuously take it back. If you want to forgive you must truly mean it. Then you pray. Pour out your problems to the one who is seated on the throne! But you don't know what that person did to me!?! Truth is, I don't need to know. Your actions are a reflection of one's self, not someone else. Stop making excuses. When we pray we are seeking God's will and purpose for our lives. It is not a matter of if a person will hurt you, it is a matter of when someone will hurt you. We all face different struggles in this life, but it is how we respond that makes all the difference. Prayer is a powerful thing! When we ask God to show us how to forgive someone, be prepared for him to move in such a way that will blow your mind! God will then show you how to love. Which is exactly what you do next. You love! You choose to love the unlovable! Words are one things, actions are another. Let others see your light shine. Some people say, the first to apologize is the bravest, the first to forgive is the strongest and the first to forget is the happiest. What will you gain when you choose to forgive and forget? Often arguments or fights are drug out because we are too stubborn to forgive or even better...we are too proud. Don't allow you ego to get in the way. It is not worth it. It's okay to be angry, it's okay to be upset, it's okay to feel confused and it's okay to ask why? It's also okay to love and it's okay to forgive! Let it go! Don't add to heartache because of resentment. None of us are perfect! Let go of your grievances! Forgive as Christ has forgiven you. Pardon the unpardonable. Believe in the unbelievable and hope when everything around you seems hopeless. Never repay evil with evil. Repay evil with a blessing. That blessing is forgiveness! Show mercy and know that forgiveness is an expression of love.

To My Son

I wish I could put into words just how you mean to me. From the day you were born, you have been nothing but content. If I had to describe perfect, it would be you. You make me laugh, you make me smile, you make me proud, you make me love like I have never loved before. My heart is so overwhelmed with joy because of you. There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for allowing me to be your Mother. It is a privilege and a blessing. I look into your eyes and know without a shadow of a doubt that there is a God. A God who loved me and your Dad enough, to give us you. You are my little bundle of perfection and I wouldn't change not one thing about you. You are smart, you are kind, you are compassionate and loving. You are everything I strive to be. I hope and I pray that I show you just how much I love you. There is nothing more precious than the sound of your laughter and nothing more sweeter than to hear you say "Mommy, I love you." I can't even begin to imagine my life without you. I pray for you on a daily basis and ask God to love you, protect you and keep you safe. I ask that he gives you a long and healthy life. I pray that he uses you as his vessel. You will ALWAYS be my Butterbean, Stinkbug, Nuggs, Nugget, Snicker doodle, Bubba and Buddy. Nothing will ever change that. I can't wait to see how God is going to use you. Thank you for loving me and accepting me. Don't ever change and always, always, always know how much I love you!