If those first few moments were a sign of what was to come, I may have been a bit afraid to see what the future held. I believe that God is merciful to keep us from knowing the future and all the trials that lay ahead of us because we may opt out of going through things that will help us grow spiritually and closer to Him. We had some tough few months of colic and other issues with our little Caleb, and once he was on the move, he was quite the opposite of our first son. JJ was always so cautious and careful in everything he did, but Caleb was fearless and would leap and then think about what might happen as he sailed through the air. He had to see what was inside every single closed door and sometimes even empty what was behind them. Go, go, go, was (and possibly may still be) Caleb's motto. He has a tender heart though, and if he will just direct that energy into using it for the Lord, he will do mighty things for God.
It has been an incredible journey and all through the day I have been thinking about how much I have changed over the last 14 years, just as he has. He may have been growing physically (he is like a giant now, towering over me and making me feel like a little shrimp), but I have been growing spiritually and in other ways too. As much as I enjoyed my little babies and all their cuteness, I must say I am enjoying my children now that they are becoming teens, learning about life, and becoming young men and women. I had been around little children so much in my life that I often wondered if I could handle teenagers. The world has a way of putting thoughts into your head about how they are horrible years, but with God nothing is impossible. Now that I am in the midst of it, with two teenagers, and another one turning 13 this year, I am enjoying every minute. I can honestly say that it is so much easier than I ever imagined, but all the glory goes to God. I do not take any credit. Even though we do go through some tough days, my children are very polite, helpful, and very considerate to me. They are not rebellious, nor do they give me a hard time when I ask them to do something. As I watch them mature and grow up, I am blessed to say that I love my teenagers, and am enjoying this time much more than I ever imagined. It has been quite a journey, but I would not trade any of it for anything. Happy 14th birthday, Caleb James! We love you and thank the Lord daily for bringing you into our lives!!!!! May He use you to help us continue to grow in patience, love, grace, and wisdom. And may He use you for great things in your life....keep your heart right with Him and always follow Him!
P.S. I would post a pic of Caleb now, but all the pics I have of him lately were promised that I would not post them. I will just have to sneak one without him knowing and post that. :)