I sat there scrolling through pictures and videos of my children when they were very little. I listened to my oldest son’s voice on the recording, he sounded so small, with the slightest stutter. My youngest son making little giggles and noises, as his words were still yet to come. I didn’t know whether to smile or cry a little. It was a little bittersweet. For my boys are becoming grown. My oldest far taller than myself, though I still remember the days I rocked him in my arms. My youngest son is also growing rapidly and I can’t pick him up anymore either. At least not without hurting my back. Though I remember him being held in my arms. I often ask myself where the days have gone. Though I am enjoying every milestone, in some way or another, there are times where my hands long for there little hands. My arms long for them to be wrapped in them. Their little voices and coos still remain in my mind like a whisper of a time long gone. I cannot be there for them at every moment. I cannot always protect their hearts and their minds from a sometimes-hard world. I cannot shelter them, nor do I want to, from the path forward where God calls. Though my heart loves them just as I always have and even when it is hard, I smile knowing it is a beautiful thing as they begin to stretch out their wings. I know someday that they will soar, and I will have the memories that led to that moment; as I eagerly step out in faith watching them become the men God has called them to be. In the moments that sting a little as they grow, I am comforted that no matter how big they get, they won’t ever be too big for my love, and certainly Gods. More than that, no matter how far they go in their journey through this life, God will always be with them; going beyond where I can as their mother. I watched a video of when they were still so small and I see their faces now, so grown. Oh, how I am grateful to God for them. Oh, how I am so grateful for them, that they also have God. I cannot promise to always be there for them, but I will surely try. Though God, He will be. I am so grateful for that. Children are a blessing and there is nothing quite like raising them. Through all the stages and all the moments, whether the easy or hard, they are the greatest adventure. Friend, and what a beautiful thing to watch our children grow. Knowing that though we embrace them with so much love, God does too. How wonderful it is, that God always goes with them.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Psalm 127:3 NIV

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

Matthew 28:20 NIV

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”