“Only those who will risk going too far
can possibly find out how far they can go.”
T. S. Eliot (1888-1965)
American-English poet and playwright

I had a switch flip the other day.
A monumental realization, actually.
It changed my life.
And I know it will change Daniel’s as well.

My youngest is a FIREBALL!
Full of energy.
Most of the time sweet, yet often full of vinegar.
His curiosity is insatiable.
He has nearly no fear – it could have read NO FEAR up until recently.
He lives life with excitement and joy.
He loves a challenge – not in the obstacle sense, but in the ‘I wonder’ sense of the word.
Jumping, running FAST, charging through every event that presents itself.
He is super smart.
I am NOT the only one who feels this way – completely objective people have also made this observation.
Yes, I’m a proud mama, but in all honesty, he is truly bright.

God has flooded my mind with what is best for Daniel, as tired as I may be.

Let’s fast forward 20 years.
A polite young man, a FIREBALL!
Full of energy, most of the time sweet and occasionally full of vinegar.
His curiosity is insatiable.
He has nearly no fear – now coupled with common sense.
He lives life with excitement and joy.
He loves a challenge – in the obstacle sense and in the ‘I wonder’ sense of the word.
Jumping, running FAST, charging through every event that presents itself.
He is super smart, educated.
All for God.

ALL FOR GOD.

>insert shedding of tears<
Did I mention I can be more emotional nowadays?

God: “it’s not about you, Triann”
Hmmm…I’ve heard God say that to me before.
Several years ago – in regards to Emily.
I had a running, ‘what am I supposed to learn from this?’
‘Who am I supposed to be teaching about this?’
BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!
Seriously.
An ugly, self-centered view of life.

And yet, God revealed this same truth to me about Daniel.

IT’S NOT ABOUT ME!!

It is about me
only in the context of God blessing me with two very unique, amazing children.
He has a special plan for my kiddos.
They are in my earthly care.
A huge responsibility.
But GOD has their hearts.
They will be amazing adults.

I can clearly see Daniel as an incredible Youth Pastor, or Missionary (even though that makes me want to start biting my nails), or perhaps in a mainstream job that allows him to have the full-of-life impact on so many who wander in darkness.

God intends to use Daniel’s reckless abandon for His glory.
That makes me smile.
It makes me more tolerant(this is a work in progress), more willing to re-direct rather than punish, more excited about diverting those attributes into positive avenues in lieu of simply expecting them to diminish over time.
I need to celebrate the wonderful, creative, adventure-filled being that Daniel is.
Whether he is four or twenty-four, he is Child of God and HE has plans for him…I am so thankful for the opportunity to watch him grow into that young man.

For now, I will enjoy watching the energy I only wish I had.
Experience the curiosity through the eyes of a four year old.
And listen to my husband when he says, “don’t look!” as Daniel proceeds to do something heart-stopping.

What about the little ones in your life can you choose to cherish, rather than try and change?