“Parents are often so busy with the physical rearing of children that they miss the glory of parenthood, just as the grandeur of the trees is lost when raking leaves.”
(Marcelene Cox)

Our son Brandon is graduating high school in a few months, and Jenny and I have been doing a little reminiscing, selecting photos for his high school and church celebrations. It’s brought laughter, more than a few tears, and multiple moments of utter shame at our fashion choices through his 18 years.

Life with children can be hectic and harried. Between driving them here and there — from ballet to a birthday party to buying new shoes to replace the ones we just bought them that they’ve already outgrown — it’s easy to forget whey we had kids in the first place!

Does anyone else remember staring at your kids’ toes when they were first born? For hours? Everything was so new, and it was easy to be bowled over by the sheer wonder of it all.

After a while, though, you start to take for granted some of the most amazing things life has to offer. The unique smell of your kids after a bath. The perfect layout of freckles across the bridge of your son’s nose. The way your daughter hums to herself as she draws.

Today, do yourself a favor and take a moment to really see your kids. They really are a wonder.

Peace begins with pause,