Kids!

Do you ever look at your kids and think, "Wow, what did I ever do to deserve you?"

I have had that happen a couple of times over the last few days.  I am impressed, overwhelmed, and so very thankful for them.  I know they have risen to challenges produced by change, but they have allowed God to change them, and that...that is so evident in their lives today.

Johnny...taking and facing the challenge of Grade 11, buckling down, getting it down when it counts, loving his new role as part of the Compass Gear team, handling people and their inquiries with wisdom and an ability beyond his 16 years.  His smile lights up the room and people are automatically drawn to him.

Matt...all of his 15 years, letting God continue to change him and become his best friend, taking on new responsibilities with grace and maturity, working hard at his job, loving working with the kids and being an awesome role model for all. His deep loyalty and commitment are shining bright in all he does

Eric...rising to every occasion to be all the 12 years are calling him to be, enjoying life with friends and brothers always at his side, he laughs loud and lives loud, yet with a growing and gracious respect that wows me every time. Today, he got out of the van and grabbed his hockey equipment from the back, his blonde hair blowing in the wind, he looked years beyond his 12.  He held himself with a poise and maturity that I have not seen from him yet.  My heart raced when I realized he was growing up to be such a deep and thoughtful young man.

Mitch...bouncing through life with laughter and emotion and passion, living with passion for all things baseball and hockey and a Walmart gift card :).  I watch him regularly and marvel at his ability to remain focused on any given task, with the dry humour that he brings to every situation.

I know kids are a gift from God. I know that they are here to make us better people, to change us, to wow us, to marvel us, to challenge us, and to show us more about who we are.  They are each a Masterpiece and it is our job to guide them to that realization.  But they are also who God uses to help show us the Masterpieces that we, as parents, are.

Yes, you...YOU, tired and sleep deprived Mommy, wondering and worried Mama, frustrated and poured out Mom...YOU ARE GOD'S MASTERPIECE.  He has created you and he loves you!

Gather up the gratitude and thankfulness today.  Soak in those WOW moments with your kids, your family, your friends.  Allow them to change you.

Today, like every day, I know down deep to my toes, that I am blessed beyond belief.