October 20, 2000. Happy Birthday Elijah

Today is a very special day.  Nine years ago a love was awakened in me like I never knew could exist.  My sweet Elijah entered this world and has brought a steady stream of joy to our family ever since.  Like most moms, I am of the opinion that my son is of an elite group, a group that is truly extra special, kind, lovable, beautiful, and of course brilliant.  I even have the proof, but that is a whole other entry.  Today has brought about a realm of emotions I didn’t expect.  First, shock.  After all I am WAY too young to be the mother of a 9-year-old.  Second, I am flabbergasted by the way in which time seems to be flying by.  I can still remember the way Elijah moved about in my tummy and the pain his sweet little body created as it stretched for room insisting my ribs move in ways they were not created to move.  Thirdly, and the most abundant overwhelming feeling I am encountering today is the love I have towards this boy.  Words can not even begin to capture the way in which I love him.  On a daily basis I recognize the blessing Elijah is to our family and I love him more and more everyday.  However,  today as I took the time to acknowledge the anniversary of this awakening in me I am amazed by the flooding of love that I feel,  towards Elijah, towards Joel, towards God but mostly from God.  The way he has loved me, entrusting me with this child is a testament to his love for me.

As I drove to school today I played out how our evening celebration would go.  I imagined how excited Elijah would be when he discovers that this momma bought him a BEARDED DRAGON.  (to say I am proud of myself would be a tad understated, after all it is a reptile and eats live food.  Enough said)  I could hardly contain my excitement.  I called Joel to see if I really had to wait until he got home to give it to him.  I couldn’t even focus in class as my tummy rolled with anticipation.  After class I promptly made my way to the pet store.  As I made my purchase,  unable to even touch the little sucker, I told the store owners of my great plans.  They seemed a bit concerned about the well being of the dragon, rightfully so I imagine.  Nonetheless,  I made my way home with it caged in my back seat.  As I drove home I began to think of how much God loves us.  To be honest I am not sure I can even begin to fathom the amount of love he has for me.  I began to imagine Jesus hearing my prayers and asking the Father “now, now can we give her the desires of her heart?”  I was reminded of how I prayed for a third child, I prayed,  PRAYED for  another child.  Can’t you just see Jesus, knowing Rachel was to be our daughter, eagerly awaiting the perfect timing of our Heavenly Father.  I began to cry as I felt the love a Jesus engulf me.  My love for Elijah pails in comparison to the love our Heavenly Father has for us.  The perfection of His love is truly beyond comprehension, yet He extends it so freely.