Posted: 5/27/05
DOWN HOME:
18 1/2 years filled with dazzling joy
What they don't tell new parents in the hospital nursery is how this little “bundle of joy” will blossom before their very eyes.
Young parents couldn't comprehend the amazing act of raising a child, much less the speed with which it all happens.
This has been fresh on my mind lately, because we've been doing a litany of last things with our high school senior, Molly. (Who, by the time most of you read this, will be a high schooler no more.)
Thank God for wonderful snapshot memories of children growing up. I've been viewing Molly's 18 1/2 years in that projector in my mind. I've seen Molly:
The moment she was born, tiny and slippery and helpless. And breathtakingly beautiful.
The first time we took her to the beach, running buck-naked up the boardwalk, after her mama, Joanna, and I gave up trying to rinse the sand out of her diapers and held her bare bottom up to the shower.
Sitting in the bathtub with her big sister, Lindsay, giggling and playing and begging me to tell them one more story about when I was a boy growing up.
As a toddler, contorting to make her “scary face,” which made Lindsay, Jo and me double over in laughter, which made her do it again and again.
Standing in the doorway of her kindergarten room, embarking on an educational journey that will take her far beyond where I have traveled.
Wading with me into the baptistry, where she proclaimed, “Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Playing kick-ball and our made-up version of “soccer” on summer nights in our back yard in Kentucky.
Riding in the car with Lindsay and me when they were in elementary school–headed home after church on Wednesday nights or after piano practice on weekday afternoons. Amazing how some of the most routine, random actions hold such great memories.
Sitting at the dinner table, her plate almost full while the rest of us have finished eating, describing in great detail the events of the day, and her big sister pleading, “Summarize, Molly, summarize!”
Over and over, snuggled down in her bed, with the covers pulled up over the back of her head and tucked tightly under her chin, the picture of utter tranquility.
Sprawled across her bed, or our bed, or the couch, reading yet another book. And later, sitting up late, talking books.
Taking me by the hand and leading me into our little office, where she can play a new song she's downloaded from iTunes. She has introduced me to far more artists than I have introduced to her.
Thanking her mama and me for something. New clothes, a CD, her car, a good meal. She's the most naturally grateful child I've ever known.
Cuddling on the couch to watch the latest episode of Gilmore Girls or Everwood.
Sharing her faith at Teen Community Bible Study last fall, and telling the other students how she has realized her Savior, Jesus, is sufficient for her deepest needs.
Thank you, God, for a beautiful baby who grew up to be strong Christian woman.
–Marv Knox
We seek to connect God’s story and God’s people around the world. To learn more about God’s story, click here.
Send comments and feedback to Eric Black, our editor. For comments to be published, please specify “letter to the editor.” Maximum length for publication is 300 words.