They're All Here Now

We have great neighbors. Just yesterday while talking with friends at church the topic of neighbors came up and I have to admit, I love mine. Wouldn't change them for a second. But you know what? We have a favorite. =) Ms. Renee and Mrs. Cotton.

Renee takes care of her mom, Mrs. Cotton. Cotton is in her 80's and is as great as can be. Renee is a blessing to just be around. They are the first neighbors I've said: "Hey, I have to run to this place real fast can you watch two of my kiddos, I can't fit them all into the truck." Or, "Hey, I know it's 9 o'clock at night, but can I borrow some coffee?"

Alli reads to Mrs. Cotton each week. In the spring and fall they sit outside in the nice weather, talking mostly, not doing much reading. In the hot summer and cold winter they read more, play puzzles and talk about the most interesting things.

Oh, I don't know why I mention all of that; it really has nothing to do with what is really on my heart, just a sweet foreword, I suppose. =)

On occasion, this past fall Renee and I would jog from our houses down around the river and back. I remember one day while jogging and chatting she mentioned all of her children by name, one given Beth. I had never heard of Beth before. Puzzled, I asked... "Beth?"

"Oh, yes." She replied. She's past away now."

I forget how long ago she had passed, but it was on December 10th; I remember that because it's our Jordan's birthday. She went on to tell me all of Beth's problems from birth and how challenging it was. She ended by saying:

"She's in a much better place now, her pain is gone."

All of Renee's children live close by. They are always over during the summer, swimming, eating Sunday dinner, sitting outside with Mrs. Cotton. That is why I was so surprised when I heard the name, Beth.

It makes you think. She's not here now. She was then, but she is not now.

Life is different.

We make big deals out of such little things, don't we? I think of my children and how I make such big deals out of the little things with them. I am just sure I was stressing about something three years ago, something that doesn't even matter now. Something I can't even remember.

A couple of weeks ago I went to lunch with a friend, leaving all four children at home with Dad, for the first time. When I returned home, only one hour later I was greeted with this:

Three.

"Snowman Jordan"

"Snowman Alli"

and "Snowman Judah"

And I am sure, knowing my Alli, if they had not been called in for lunch by their dad, there would have been a "Snowman Emmyn."

There they are. Alli, Jordan and Judah. They're all here now. It may or may not always be that way. One day, when I'm 60, jogging with my 26 year old neighbor she might say, "Alli?" I have never heard of Alli?" The list goes on and on.

They are here now, not guaranteed another moment. God is so good to bless us with such treasure. Straight from his hand, the Maker. They are his, given to us to teach, train and raise in righteousness.

It isn't always easy, it's easy to give up. It's hard to keep going. But what a wonderful treasure it will be to stand before our God and hear him say "I saw each and everything you did." "I saw when you didn't give up." "I saw when you prayed for them, taught them, held them, showed them patience, told them no when it wasn't "fair"." "I watched as everyone thought you were not doing things the right way, yet you followed my call." "I saw each time you failed and started all over again."

"You took good care of that which I let you borrow"

It is a good reminder, I may have a Beth someday. Most of the problems of today aren't that big.

God is so good, to teach us such good things.

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