Tender Moment

Well, where do I even begin? You'd think it'd be about the kids/our week at Disney/a wonderful Christmas---but that will have to wait. I just experienced one of the more touching moments of my life.
Our first foster child has come to stay with us for a just a short period of time (4 nights of respite care for his foster family while they're traveling>) He is ABSOLUTELY one of the most precious children I've ever seen and is such a blessing to my family today. He has brought out a gentle, tender, generous side of my 3 like no one I've ever seen, and his smile melts my heart. He and Matt had an immediate bond (for those of you who know Matt, you know the 16 month old level is not hard for him to be on :) )and S.C. wanted Matt to rock/hold him tonight.
Anyway, I just went to check on them, and Matt has him all snuggled up singing "Ol Rugged Cross" to the little guy. It was an "ah hah" precious moment for me as I GOT that THIS is so much of what Christmas really is all about.

• Christ came into the world as a little babe. I am in awe of the fact that through this poor, helpless, dependent child, the Lord chose to save His people. That as a baby He left the security heaven to redeem me, knowing the end result was the Old Rugged Cross.
• Christmas is about love. "God loved us and sent His son." 1st John 4:10. I was just reminded of this love as I watched my dear hubby so tenderly love a child he's known less than two hours. I'm reminded of the instruction to love as Christ loves me. This means loving people that aren't in my immediate circle, those that look differently than I do, those that are difficult, loving in times when it's not "convenient", and loving people that might break my heart. I'm also awed at the opportunity to share His love with another child during this time of the year. Matt and I knew God would give us this chance in His timing,with the right child for this family, and it is so wonderful to close out '07 with this blessing.

So, right now, I hope you'll pause from the busy pace that tailspins us all and marvel at the precious child in the manger (not a bassinet or pack-n-play), wrapped in swaddling clothes (not the adorable onesies like we have), sent here for you and me.

Blessings!

Amy