A little boy

You were probably stuffing your face with turkey and all the fixings last Thursday. I won't lie; we were too. But, we were also celebrating the milestone of six years as parents. Our first born, turned six, and I'm at a loss for words when trying to think about where the time went.

Six sounds so much older than five. Mostly because the preschool years are behind us. Those carefree mornings watching Curious George and pjs until 10 am are farther and fewer between. I cannot complain though, I have done my best to savor those days. And, this precious little baby of mine has grown into a curious and handsome little boy who loves learning. Just yesterday as my mind was flooded with the responsibilities looming this week, he piped in about how thankful he was that today was Monday, so he could go back to school!

Is there a lump in my throat or a tear or two rolling down my cheek as I think back to that day six years ago? Of course, that's the day I became a mom. Like most would probably admit, I felt ill prepared for parenting, despite the numerous books and articles I'd read (insert eye roll here). It really is true what they say about deciding to become a parent. It is the decision to forever allow your heart to walk around outside your body. 

As more time passes, I'm realizing that the best preparation for becoming a parent has been my faith in Jesus Christ. I have absolute certainty in God's unfailing love. His love has been so incredibly demonstrated and His plan for my life and the lives of my family members is meant to glorify Him. I can trust in His plan.

Part of that trusting is letting go of those snuggly mornings and impromptu play dates at the park. But, because God is good, those sweet memories give way to spontaneous trips for ice dream after school and listening to my oldest read. He's not a baby; he's a little boy. Besides, six doesn't sound anywhere near as old as seven, and we're still a whole year away from that.

But, then they have to pay me!

Several months back I blogged about my future astronaut, who turned six on Thursday, by the way. As can be expected with children who have barely begun their school years, he's changed his life's ambition yet again.

Both our boys have a bit of an obsession with New York City. Jack's is partly thanks to the Big Apple Adventure VBS theme a couple of summers ago. Anyway, Jack has decided since he'd like to live in New York, he would like to drive a taxi. Never one to squash dreams, we have assured him that he can be the best taxi driver in New York City.

On the way home from bible study tonight the topic came up again. Sam, our three-year-old, was lamenting about the fact that Josh would not be home when we got there, "I wish Daddy didn't have night work on this night."

I reminded him that God had called our daddy to be helper and that tonight was a night that he was doing his best to help people. Jack added, "that's what all jobs are; they are to help people." After a short pause, he added, "except the job I'm going to do. It's not really helping people."

Just to test his current mood, I explored, "Really? What job are you going to do?" He said, "You know...a taxi driver." In the spirit of encouragement I assured him that taxi drivers help people get where they need to go. I went further in an effort to emphasize, "One day you may pick up someone who is sick or maybe even a pregnant lady who is about to have a baby, and you'll need to drive them to the hospital. That will be helpful."

Without even a pause, he chimed in, "but, then they have to pay me."