Effects of the Wind

Drew is getting so big -- I cannot believe it has been almost five months since he was born ... no, I have not gotten his announcements out -- what kind of mother am I?! And no, I haven't even finished my thank-you cards ... but I am working on them! :)

Anyway, yesterday started his day of milestones and when I thought about what happened, this quote from Billy Graham came to my mind: "Can you see God? Have you ever seen Him? I've never seen the wind. I see the effects of the wind, but I've never seen the wind. There's a mystery to it." And that is how it was with Drew yesterday when he turned over for the first time from his stomach to his back ... no one saw it! Only the effect was seen. And it wasn't even Tim or I that saw it because it happened while he was at Mrs. Christy's home (Mrs. Christy is his childcare provider -- she is wonderful and fabulous ... a HUGE blessing to us!!). She didn't see it because he did it during his nap. She just went in to check on him and he was on his back (yes, I am also a mother that allows her child to sleep on his stomach ... I know, I know ... I'm terrible. But, let me point out a few things. First off, he will not sleep on his back -- he cries and that gets old very quickly during the night. Second, I and probably almost every person that reads this blog slept on their stomach and shock of all shocks, you are still alive -- as attested to by the fact that you are reading this. Anyway, yes, I am making myself feel better, but this is just how we roll at the Liby home.) Anyway, Drew rolled over. Tim and I both tried to get him to do it again last night, but no such luck. He obviously is going to save these things for when no one is looking!

Second, he really, truly slept through the night -- all the way until 6:00 a.m. I couldn't believe it when I woke up before him and thought, "Wow! It is 5:59!" It feels so good to get sleep! I must confess that anytime I think about that first month, it really gives me pause about birthing more children ... that was ROUGH. People are right, you forget about the pain of labor. However, I still cannot forget the dread of waking up to feed every two hours! That was probably the most difficult thing for me.

So, if you will allow me, I would like to go back to that quote from Billy Graham. I love this quote and honestly think of it often. It is such a great analogy ... I can't see wind -- but I believe in wind because I can see the effects of it. I see the blowing trees, the leaves falling. The grass swaying. It is so refreshing to feel a gentle, warm summer breeze blow across your face ... like a kiss from the sun. Likewise, I cannot see God. I cannot see the Holy Spirit. I cannot see Jesus. But I do believe because I can see the effect of them. I can see the way that they change people, the way that they move people. I have seen lives transformed by the Trinity -- mine included. It is my prayer that I will continue to be transformed. Not for me (although I do benefit) but for my husband and my son. For the people that I meet each day. And, most importantly, for the glory of God. I mean, really! He sent His son to die for me. And for you. It wasn't a painless, die in your sleep, peaceful kind-of death ... it was truly horrific. But it had a purpose. That purpose was Drew. Tim. Me. And you. It is my prayer that you see the effects of God in your life today. Because He loves you. Loves you enough to die for you.

Katie