Baby Jackson and Joshua

There are just some days that Jackson wants his biggest brother. It’s really sweet….he can be falling apart, Joshua snuggles him up on his shoulder and he’s out!

Missing Joshua

It’s an odd thing to be missing Josh this week.

I think I hear him walking through my home at times. I miss hearing his voice from his office.

Everyone misses him. The older children miss visiting over lunch where they all congregate mid-day. The littles miss playing with him in the evenings.

Jon sat on Sunday night to paint a picture for him:

It was a sweet gesture from an adoring little brother, to an older brother he loves very much.

Josh should be home late Thursday.

I know he’s enjoyed his time.

We’ll be glad to have him back under our roof!

Joshua's Trip and a Prayer Request

Well, just when I’m celebrating a small milestone (which isn’t really small at all….just for a small person…), my oldest son is flying his way to California this morning for work.

(Suitcase packed and ready….)

As always, I would appreciate prayer for his safety.

It’s a strange thing to be spread between two seasons of life this way.

While many others are either finished or almost finished raising their children, or are in the middle of their child’s younger years, we have a little of both. I’m rocking babies and seeing my older children off to work–it’s odd, but good.

Joshua was all dressed and packed at 4 am this morning. We had decided this time, he would drive himself to the airport. *Sigh.*

(Matthew…always up, no matter what time, to see folks off and help with their bags. He’s very thoughtful)

I think, at this moment, it would have been easier for me to take him myself. Then I could have seen him step into the airport and stayed with him just a few more minutes.

It’s hard to let go and let them grow.

I sent him off with two Bible verses that have been lingering with me this week:

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)

1 Timothy 4:12

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (NIV)

As I’ve prayed for him, I believe the Lord has impressed them on my heart. Yesterday, I took a minute to write them out on a little card and leave them for him. He thanked me and placed them in his wallet. When I asked him if he had them this morning, he told me he was definitely NOT leaving the house without them. …he’s a good boy. 🙂

It’s funny, where I can’t go, this is a real world reminder that the Lord goes with him. He’s never alone. He’s just where he needs to be…in the care of He who loves him so much more than I ever could.

So for now, I’ll rock my smallest son, and pray for my oldest.

I’m grateful for every breath, and every moment.

POTD- April 23, 2012

A big brother and his baby sister…