Thinking on good things

A mommy friend who I very much admire told me once that she believes God gives us children to teach us more than for us to teach them. Yesterday I found that to be truer than ever.

At Bailey’s 1 year check-up yesterday she weighed in at a whopping 15.15 lbs and measured 26.75 inches, placing her firmly below the 3rd percentile of those government growth charts that might possibly have been invented just to give mothers one more thing to worry about.

At the doctor’s recommendation after the check-up we made our way to the lab for some blood tests – just to ensure that her little body is working exactly as it is supposed to. I am fairly convinced that there is not a thing wrong with our precious baby girl but at the same time I am thankful we are taking the steps to make certain of that. Even in my confidence, as a parent, there are always those moments when your mind takes the low road, when you begin to wonder a bit and ask the “what if” questions.

Last night as I was putting Tyler to bed he became hysteric with fear that a wizard was going to come in his room and take him from his mommy and daddy. Apparently he had seen a picture of a wizard in a book earlier in the day and he said he could not stop thinking about it.

In a rare moment of insight I quoted him Philippians 4:8, reminding him that the Bible instructs us to think on things that are true and noble and right and good and lovely. We talked about how he loves his family and Jesus and how birthday parties and ice cream make him very happy. As I kissed him goodnight I told him to think about all those very good things.

I couldn’t help but smile as I left his room and heard him saying “…rocky road and sherbet and…” and all the while knowing that I was given that verse every bit as much for me as I was for my little boy.

UPDATED: We are thanking the Lord that Bailey's blood tests have come back clear! We have a very healthy half-pint. Lucky for us, sometimes good things really do come in small packages.