I found this inscription on the inside cover of a book I cracked open today, presumably for the first time in seven years, from the pastor of the church where I first heard the gospel and where I was baptized, and where Jason and I were members the first year we were married. (Zachary was born seven years later, and that was seven years ago.)

“bring up” = ”Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

“children are a gift” = “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3).

Truly the favorite thing God has given me to take care of are not things at all, but three precious children who bring more joy and more chaos to my life than I could’ve imagined! I love them!!! Yet I love the Giver oh so much more than the gift, and He is the one who supplies the love ~ and patience ~ and wisdom ~ to make this role so so fun and rewarding.