There is something to be said of the innocence of a game
of Simon Says. Danny, Amanda, Joshua, and Julie. Four
precious little souls doing what they do best. The age of
two is certainly something isn’t it? Exploring their new
surroundings, testing limits, and learning so many great
and exciting things daily. These darlings will only be this age
once, I so often forget to take advantage of these moments.
Then a good friend passes along these photos she took and
I sit back in awe. One day Danny will wonder why his mama
felt so strongly about a game of Simon Says, and I will tell
him it is because the simplest and most wonderful things in
life are the ones you least expect, and when they take
you by surprise - you realize this is what life is all about.

I felt compelled to share this when I read it Sunday morning at church. The following was taken from the Focus on the Family insert in our bulletin. The moment I read it, I felt immediately chocked up, as my good friend Shari sat by my side nudging me to see if I read it. It simply sums up what we so often overlook…

What Remains.
By Joanne Heim.

If I spend my days building skyscrapers with LEGOs and creating relationships with other moms at Starbucks, but have not love, I am only the siren of the kids’ ride-on fire truck.

If I have the gift of knowing which child attempted to flush the Hot Wheels down the toilet and which one pushed her sister, and if I have faith that somehow we’ll survive life’s emergencies, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I save all my box tops for school and give outgrown clothing to the local shelter, and if I surrender my body to stretch marks and under-eye circles, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient when someone isn’t ready to use the big-girl potty. It is kind when my husband has a hard day. It doesn’t envy my neighbor who drives the new sport-utility vehicle I can’t afford.

It is not rude, snapping at my spouse or children when things don’t go my way. It is not easily angered at perceived or real injustices.

It always protects the smallest, sweetest family confidences; always trusts God to provide for my children’s needs; always hopes in the freshness of tomorrow and the bright future of family; always perseveres amid hardship and doubt.

Where there are sleepless nights, they shall end. Where there are diapers, Little League, and dioramas built from shoe boxes, they will cease. Where there is knowledge of baby-care trends, discipline strategies, and boy-girl problems, it will pass away.

Now these three remain: faith, lived out in my daily circumstances and instilled in my children; hope, of one day rejoicing with my family in heaven; and love, which covers over a multitude of less-than-perfect moments.

But the greatest of these is love. It is what remains… long after I am gone.

It feels as if fall has finally set in; we have had a mix of sun, wind, and rain so far and it is only mid October. Justin had a great time hunting with Logan, and even brought home some “souvenirs” from his venture. Danny and I were thrilled to be able to see daddy pitch again at his softball game and later in the week we took a trip out to Stockton to visit Aunt Diane who traveled here from Oregon. We have had a busy week to say the least, but are thankful for the opportunity to spend our busy times together as a family.

It seems Danny is growing up before our very eyes. He has recently had a growth spurt and is getting taller and taller. His vocabulary has gone through the roof, and he is talking up a storm, repeating literally everything he hears. We have to start being more cautious of our words we have found. The other day he reprimanded me for not saying “excuse me” after a diet coke made me burp. This age is just precious and I am basking in the cuddles and kisses I know one day I will long for.

A few evenings ago as the three of us sat together on the couch, Danny leaned in to give me hugs and pressed his ear against my chest. He sat there like that for close to a minute with the most puzzled look on his face. “Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.” He said quietly. Justin and I were both confused momentarily until we realized Danny had just found mommy’s heartbeat. The realization and look on his little face was a moment I’ll never forget. The remainder of the evening and to this day, he loves to listen to mommy’s heartbeat, daddy’s heartbeat, and yes, even “Keeka’s” heartbeat. He then proudly pulls his shirt down so that we may listen to his. It is things like this that we so often forget, the innocence and naivety of these little ones. Something as simple as a heartbeat made his day, and of course, it made mine too.

Our good family friend Tim went to be with Jesus this morning. After 2 long years, he
lost his hard fought battle with cancer. Through it all, he was passionate about his faith and made certain this was evident in his every day actions. I am so glad that I was able to talk with him on the phone last week, reassured him of our love for him and even got him to laugh at a ‘Danny story’. I am honored to have known him, and although our hearts are heavy, he is now free from pain and suffering, and is celebrating with our Lord.

Timothy Harrell 1949-2007