Sublime.

Simple pleasures: treasures from the Father of lights.

I snuggle into the embrace of my children. Whilst squeezing into the tight spaces under loving wings, “I love you” reverberates through the air, sweeter than the honey in my morning coffee. They forgive so readily. My firstborn will soon reach my height, eye to eye, no need for tippy toes. Where does time fly to, fleeting like the life of the butterfly.

“Mummy?”

Will they always call to me so? I hope so dear. I hear a Bible verse at the perfect moment and I am comforted by God's sovereignty. Wisdom, too much to comprehend, I know He holds us all in His hands.

Sometimes I laugh so hard I make a snorting noise. He created us for His joy, for smiles as big as moons. We're all childlike and whimsical, dancing in the sun; sometimes we dance for no apparent reason. My boys giggle and sway and Mummy makes the floorboards creak. We laugh at ourselves, the good medicine soaking in.

Will they always want to be tucked in at evenings end? Prayers to fill the night? Kisses upon ruddy cheeks?

For now, a mother's love is like a sturdy fort.

The Father's love, is far greater.

Whilst kicking goals and shaking hands, little eyes scan the sidelines to confirm we are there. And standing on stages and tiny chore wages; were growing men from boys. Hoping to do it well but only Jesus can tell, can help; make good of all we wish we could.

Jesus provides the meat on sale at the grocery store. He provides when hungry mouths cry, “more”. Moved by His Spirit and I'm overcome with emotion, standing in the shopping aisle.

Holy Spirit helps with the cooking; suggesting ingredients to improve the taste. Little hands, eager to play their part, hold measuring cups and make a floury mess; trying for their best. The one legged magpie watches from the yard. Arriving only when life is hard; she reminds me to persevere. Even on one leg, she manages her fair share. God sustains her.

I hide from my two at random moments, only to giggle when they discover my frame, too big to squeeze behind the kitchen counter top.

“Mummy's being so silly, will she ever stop?”

I encourage my little ones and I am encouraged in return. Fellowship is worth its weight in gold.

“Will we all still pray, when you are old?”

Cuddles. More cuddles. Hubby makes me a hot tea, filling the colourful vessels. The eldest makes a brew too.

“When did he get so grown?”

We share a meal, we share Jesus and they respond to Him. Listening to children pray is like sunshine on the greyest of days.

Jesus help me get the children to school on time, finish the homework, fold the mountains and brush the pearly whites.

“Cover me in your grace.”

Little ears, ever eager to hear and share a story. I forget and I fail. I need to listen more carefully, respond more earnestly. Graciously.

Jesus lives within us. We know Jesus loves us.

“Jesus loves everyone.”

The smell of freesias fill the air and Daddy pulls the car over to let them pick the wild ones; Mummy's favourites. He smiles.

“Do they know that being vulnerable pays off?”

Watching the ocean and drawing in the sand, the simple things are perfect to them. The sun on our skin, swimming in the blue, the feeling of weightlessness washes. Waterfalls.

I remember a baby’s smile, little hands and tiny toes, that miraculous smell that sits on the crown of their heads. Running now and taller still, reaching for that hill. What awaits the other side, who can know? But we hope that all we share, will guide them there, into His arms.

Jesus, give me Your eyes to see the truth in every moment. Help me to share all that I have; Your love, wisdom, and time. Help me let them go. Unlock our hearts and keep them fleshy pink; we can so easily forget that they beat to a song of worship.

Thoughts of Heaven sometimes drift by…

I hope we will all be there at the end of it all. I pray they give their lives to Jesus.

With all of their hearts.

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”