1980 - 1982 - 1985 - 1992.

1980 - 1982 - 1985 - 1992. These are dates forged in my memory forever! The dates our children were born!

And from the start...each had their own little personality and a calling only God knew.

We brought each of our children home in this tiny little yellow outfit. It fit some better than others...as our last child weighed in at 10 pounds 3.5 ounces, and I weighed in at a whopping 112 pounds. The outfit was snug...But I was determined he would wear it.

Like all new parents, we had plans for each of our children. Dreams of them being perfect children and growing up to do different things. However, I soon realized that each child had their own dreams... their own thoughts... and their own little personality.

We taught them, guided them, showed them the way... but as they grew older, it was us who had to bend to their calling, us who had to let go of our dreams for them, us who had to allow them to find their own callings upon their lives.

I have learned over the years to cherish the differences. Realizing that God has created them for this time...and for purposes I may never know.

I've watched as they have walked into places and witnessed to others whom I could never reach! They are making a difference in their worlds that I can never duplicate.

God has created each of us for a time...and a purpose...and a reason!

As I look at each of them, I see that we did indeed raise great children! They are who God created them to be! And how beautiful that is!

I would be remiss if I didn't also remember two other dates, two other children, born in 1988 and 1989. They, too, had a calling, a purpose, and a reason...ones greater than I may ever know. We had to let go of them sooner than we would have liked, but they, too, have a calling.

Teach them, guide them, love on them, and then sit back and watch them do wonderful things! Each of them has their own personalities, their own will, their own goals, their own thoughts...and their own callings!

Never measure others by your standards...because you do not hold the measuring stick and you do not know their callings!

BUT...don't be surprised when one day, you look at your children, see yourself in them, and say, "You just reminded me of myself." Because there is more of you in each of them than you could ever imagine...it's just packaged a little different, built for the world they live in today, and buried deep in their hearts, waiting for the opportune time to show up! Watch for it!

...And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14