Giddy as a School Girl

In just a few short hours my older girls come home.  They have been gone since Wednesday.  Once a year, our organization sponsors a retreat for kids ... just like my Addie and Parker ... and literally pours into them ... candy, wisdom, life tools, time for building relationships with other kids they only see once a year.  They spent these last days in Prague, Czeck Republic.  And, after the love and support they received from those who gave of themselves to make this time possible, they will come back changed ... for the better.

While they have been gone, my Chris and I have been able to pour into Libby.  In her words ... "being spoiled".  Ha!  Spoiling by her definition means her choosing the movie to watch, her getting Mom and Dad all to herself during a conversation, her having a sleepover in her bedroom floor with Mom and Dad and being showered with her full share of kisses her sisters aren't here to receive.  Yep.  She's been spoiled.

My friends are getting older.  They have children who now qualify as young adults.  My friends miss their children.  They miss the snuggles.  They miss the naivety.  They miss ... childhood.  Some of my friends have grown children in college or out on their own in the world.  They carry on like giddy school kids when they come home for a visit.  They post their kids' accomplishments on Facebook like proud parents.

The more my children ... who just like my friends' ... are now qualifying as young adults ... I get that.  I've been flying about my house this morning trying to tidy up, cook a welcome home meal, and fix my new hair they haven't seen since they've been gone (I got a perm and if anyone laughs you will get hit!).  I am giddy.  I can't wait for them to walk through my doors.

This morning as I was trying to fix my hair and I was staring into the bathroom mirror, I was looking at a woman who just like my friends ... is getting older.  I miss my children.  I miss the snuggles.  I miss their childhood.

Then, when I was beginning to tear up God brought this thought to my mind ... I am HIS child.  The way I am fluttering about the house this morning ... is the general sentiment He holds for me in his heart ... every day.

In a few more hours, after my girls get home and they have gotten on my nerves, that giddy feeling will go away.  Funny.  I got the impression from God in my bathroom that His giddy feeling for me never goes away.  That's an amazing thought.  I think I'll carry that around with me for awhile.  For now, back to getting the house ready for my girls ... my precious girls.