Celebrating Unrecognized Blessings

It is easy to take blessings for granted, especially when you don't realize what those blessings are in the first place. And it can be easy, in the midst of challenges, for blessings to go unrecognized, because they aren't the blessings you expect or hope for. But, somehow, God in His grace helps us see His gifts, if we are willing to look.

Lately, I've been noticing small gifts and recognizing here-to-for unrecognized blessings. My little man is walking, quite well, and looking like a little boy. He is investigating things little boys should investigate, he is getting into things little boys should be getting into, and it is very fun. The funny thing is, even though I've had seven other children, I didn't realize what "little boy" things he hadn't been doing until he started doing them. It has been incredibly sweet to see this little man, who has struggled with so many things, just being a kid. I love it.

And, as I've been enjoying the little things my baby boy  young son is finally able to do, I've come to recognize what my other children did, and with so little effort. I'm also celebrating the fact that though he needs extra help, my son is learning and meeting his developmental milestones.

Not everyone enjoys the simple blessing of watching their child develop and meet those famous milestones. Not every parent will celebrate their child's first step, or hear that precious first word, or marvel as the wheels of understanding begin to turn. Not every parent will battle the "Terrible Twos" because their child will never get there.

It is a sobering realization, and one that I hope I don't lose sight of. I want to enjoy treasure all of my children, completely. The parenting process is messy, with lots of fits and starts and mistakes along the way. It is painful emotionally, stretching mentally, and draining physically. But, if we are drained, stretched, or hurting, it is because we have been so greatly blessed. And that is a reason to celebrate.