Our Journey Home: Decisions, decisions

This morning, Wubs brought three toys into the kitchen. These particular toys were her little dogs- three of her most treasured possessions. She had a very serious look on her face.
"Mama, I think I'm going to give one of my dogs away."
"Really? Wow! Are you going to give a dog to one of your friends?"
"Yeah... I have lots of toys and I think I should share. Which one isn't your favorite?"
"Hmmmm... why do you want to know which one isn't my favorite?" (I was pretty sure I knew why she was asking but I thought I would check, just to be certain.)
"Well, I want to keep my favorites and give away the dog that is my almost favorite. So, should I give away this one?" (Aha, just as I had suspected. Thank you Lord for teachable moments!)
"Wubs, let's think about what you want to do. You want to bless one of your friends with a toy dog, but you want to give away the doggie that you don't like the best. You know how the Bible tells us to love others the way God loves us? Well, when God was going to send a Savior- He didn't send his "almost favorite". No, God sent us His very best. The One that He loved the very most. You want to know what I think? I think that if you give away the dog that you love the most, your friend will be the most blessed by your sweet gift. And you know what? I bet you'll feel the most joy for giving it away, too!"
Wubs listened closely. She looked thoughtfully at the dogs. Then she told me she was going to her room because she needed to go think about it.
Several minutes later, Emma Grace returned to the kitchen with the BIGGEST smile on her face.
"Mommy, I am giving away the dog with the newpaper in his mouth. That's the best one. I'm going to wrap it up too!"
That blessed my heart so much! It also convicted me... I think about the many times that I don't give God my very best. There are times that I'm not as patient as I could be, as loving as I should be, or as faithful as I need to be. Praise God that He won't give up on me! I certainly don't deserve His redeeming love, but I am oh-so-grateful for it.
Below are some pictures from JJ's four month doctor appointment! (He is now four and a half months old... better a late post than never! wink!) He is 17 pounds of pure joy!