I found myself pondering this a lot this Christmas season. I began to again contemplate what Mary must have felt. Out of every woman in the world, God chose her to carry His son. To continue His plan. To most importantly, be Jesus' mother. I think, likewise, it is no accident we are parents to the children we have for a reason. I wasn't only blessed with my girls. God actively chose me to be their mother. I didn't happen to have a child like Meagan. God knew, for some reason, I could do it - and he chose me. Thinking about that humbles me to my core.
Loving Nana's Christmas lights necklace
Christmas this year was great at the Gareau household. My parents were here. My grandmother was here. My brother and his wife were here with their son. All of us were together. We spent time talking, visiting, and watching the kids play. We attended Christmas Mass together and enjoy each other's company by relaxing in the evenings with a good movie and some beverages. We also exchanged gifts, as many families do, on Christmas morning. Everyone had a great time.
Helping Meagan explore her new toy
Just as we lovingly choose gifts at Christmas for our loved ones, God chooses us for our children. He knows the perfect match. As He chose Mary to carry Jesus, he chooses us to carry our children. I keep going back to lyrics from a song I love... part of those lyrics say, "Do you wonder as you watch my face......if a wiser one should have had my place..." No. I think I'm right where I'm supposed to be. No one else could be Meagan's mom. This was the plan. This was God's plan for us.
The girls decorated their little tree
This Christmas, I want to pause and say "Thank you" to God for choosing me. Thank you for carefully choosing the gifts of my girls, and for entrusting me with them and the special gift of our youngest baby girl. Tonight, as the tree lights are dimly lighting up our living room, I finally find time to think. The girls are in bed.. the house is quiet. Meagan is asleep and all I can hear is her tiny breath as she peacefully rests in my arms.
In the background, I can hear more of those song lyrics resonating in my head.....
"...Breath of heaven,
Hold me together,
Be forever near me,
Breath of heaven...."
....And what a breath of heaven she is. Merry Christmas.
Loving on her Elmo
Santa brought Meagan an Exersaucer to use for therapy
First taste of chocolate
Merry Christmas to all!
What a beautiful post and a beautiful family....Blessings
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post for sure. I often think about this a lot, especially with my son that we adopted. Any number of factors could have changed the course of our lives and he could have been referred to another couple. The thought of my Gabe with another family makes me feel almost panicky...the thought of our lives without him. Then we got our Ellie, but not until after MANY scares where we thought she wouldn't make it into this world alive. Finally, our amazing Eden....our post chemotherapy miracle. It took 11 years and so much blood, sweat, and tears to bring these children in our lives. I am so, so, so, grateful that God entrusted them to us.
ReplyDeleteSo, so good; and her hair makes me smile!
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile too! :)
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