Mother's Day

This year, Mother's Day was extra special. It was my first with a child in my own arms. Last year, I remember Scott and I squeezing each others' hand during the Mother's Day service at church, containing our little secret that we were expecting. Now, a year later, it's hard to believe our little "Coffee Bean" is already four months old.
Mother's Day was also special because we had baby dedication at church. In all honesty, I was a bit reluctant. I have been struggling to trust the Lord with Sam. We had dear friends that unexpectedly lost their 8 week old daughter last year. Walking along side of them during their tragedy has affected me more than I realized. It is one thing for me to say, "We dedicate Samuel to the Lord," but another to truly believe it in my heart that he is God's and not ours. (It seems ironic knowing that we named our son Samuel after Hannah's son in the Old Testament, whom she gave back to the Lord for His service.)
I say all this to simply share that I was able to acknowledge yesterday that Sam IS ultimately God's. He was given to us as a gift, and we desire to be the best steward of his life however long we have. Each day that I get to squeeze his cheeks, sing him a song, and give him "mommy love" is a precious gift. Scott and I are learning what being parents is all about--the amazing privilege and sobering responsibility.