Dedication

Sunday was a big day for little Carter.  Our church has child dedication a few times a year and this past Sunday just happened to be one of those times. 

As parents, sometimes I think it can be easy to forget how special each child is--especially when you have those sleepless nights and days where it seems every time you turn around they are doing something naughty.  But, then there are moments when you realize they are listening to what you say and there are moments that they are sweet little angels and you get glimpses of God's love. 

We are blessed to have two little boys as part of our family.  Each one so different, but yet they each have such a special role in what makes our family tick.  God knew that these two boys would fit in our family so perfectly.  They come with their own little quirks and their own struggles, but we wouldn't trade them for the world.

Riley was dedicated when he was a baby and this past Sunday was Carter's turn.  He is a gift from God and we are so thankful for his little life.  We chose to give Carter back to God and we hope that God will use him in amazing ways that will further His kingdom.

Here is what we wrote about Carter:
Carter has brought so much joy to our lives.  He is our little peanut but almost always has huge smiles for us.  Carter has a quiet and calm disposition and just seems to go with the flow.  He has taught us so much in his short little life and even before we met him face to face.  Through Carter we have learned to trust God even more in all circumstances and he reminded us that though we may not know what life holds God is always in control.  We pray Carter will grow into a man who seeks God in all he does and live a life devoted to Christ. 

Dedication is self-sacrificing devotion.  As a parent there are lots of things you sacrifice.  Some things willingly and others not so much.  It takes a lot of dedication to be a parent.  It's a never-ending job.  Sure, one day you won't be responsible for them anymore, but you will always be their mom.  Always be their dad.  And that's no easy task, but it's one that we have been called to.  We've been given the job of raising these two precious boys.  And, though we won't do it perfectly, we can attempt to do this job with our utmost devotion and try to show them sacrificial love.

That's NOT an easy job.  Like I said before, there are sleepless nights, and hair-pulling days, and you wonder 'what in the world did I get myself into!'  But, we know we can't do it on our own.  Only by the grace of God can we bring kids up in this world where sin has a GIANT foothold.  Only by His grace can we get through those days that make us want to pull our hair out.  Only by His grace can we learn to be self-sacrificing.  After all, it was His self-sacrifice that is the ultimate expression of love.  The perfect example of sacrificial love.  There's no better example of a parent than the one our Heavenly Father has set.  And I can only pray that our boys would see us living out that example on a daily basis.