8 is Great!

On Thursday, Isaac celebrated his 8th birthday! It was a very low-key birthday this year, we only went out for dinner and to a movie and then had a small party with family, but he thought it was wonderful just the same.

Whenever I speak about Isaac, I call him my "rock". He is such a blessing to our family - a wonderful example of the oldest brother - caring, helpful and responsible. He loves each of his brothers and will just as happily snuggle with Nathan on the couch as he will play tag with Ezra in the yard, or color pictures with Joel. He does not put on airs trying to be more grown up than he is, however, he demonstrates maturity beyond his 8 years.

I remember when he was first born, while they were giving him a bath in the delivery room, I thought to myself "What have I done?! How will I ever know what to do with this teeny tiny person being placed in my care?" The weight of the responsibility was overwhelming and frightening! But the Lord knew my fears and blessed me with an even tempered baby, who grew into a toddler with a heart to obey, who is now a school-aged child who eagerly seeks out and loves learning. Most of all, Isaac is a boy who loves Him, loves His Word, and loves the family he has been placed in. I am so blessed to be Isaac's mom, and I hope to never take this privilege and ministry for granted.

When Isaac was almost 2, he had an accident on a play structure. He fell off of a ladder, knocked himself unconscious, and stopped breathing. It was the most terrifying moments of my life! The EMTs came, by which point Isaac had begun breathing again, and he regained consciousness as they arrived. We took a ride in the ambulance to the children's hospital, where we spent the day running tests and doing scans. Amazingly, he did not even have a concussion! The doctors were surprised, but I knew the Lord's hand was on him. When we got home that evening, I went outside to spend some time alone with the Lord, and sobbed. He showed me so clearly the weakness of being a mother. He showed me that it is not within my power to save Isaac - not physically, not spiritually. Isaac is truly in the Lord's hands, and that day I gave over whatever control I was trying to hold on to, and have rested in His peace ever since, trusting in His sovereign plan for Isaac's life. I am so thankful Isaac has a heavenly father who is so much greater and wiser than his earthly parents are!!

I thank the Lord for my wonderful little (but not so little!) boy!