What Would I Tell Her?

I love this picture.

I loved my life and my two precious babies. This was us—before school, friends, sports, cell phones, drivers license, social media—before the world really came into our lives. In this picture, we were our whole world; it was just us.

As I look at this picture now, what would I tell that Michelle? What would I want her to know?

I would tell her that these children do not belong to you. You can love, protect, pray, provide, invest, nurture, but they are not yours. They belong to the Lord.

I would tell her that because these children belong to the Lord, you will learn to rely on Him more and more.

I would tell her that their life journey is just that—their journey. Your role is to point them to the Lord and when they do not go that direction, to remember that it is their journey. And so, you pray.

I would tell her that these two incredible children will be the source of your greatest joy in life, and sadly, at times, the source of your greatest pain. Embrace both—the joy and the pain.

I would tell her that motherhood will ultimately make her a better wife, a better daughter, a better sister, a better friend, just better.

I would tell her that through your love for your children, you will come to understand love in a way you never have before—to love as Christ loves. To love with no expectation of anything in return. To love even when someone is unlovable. And through that love, you will also learn to forgive as Christ forgives.

Lastly, I would tell her that you will come to appreciate the man you married as a father. The qualities that attracted you to him will even become more valuable as the years pass—loyalty, compassion, kindness, and a desire to walk with the Lord.

So, I love this picture.

And every picture after this one.

Looking at this picture now, I would tell that Michelle that your journey will be good, and when it is not, that He will be with you. And, you will be thankful for the journey.