Wild ones

There's an Instagram account I follow of a woman who about 2 years ago lost her little son. He was 3 or 4 and was hit by a car and killed in front of the house they were at. The woman and her husband have held tight to each other through this sad experience. She tastefully shares her heart and and tries to serve others to keep positive. I cannot imagine the horrific pain of such a thing. I have continued to follow her as she posts about her blessings as well as her sorrows while enduring her trial. 

They very recently had their second child, a little girl, and yesterday she she shared this: 

The caption said, "made Mickey pancakes this morning for Ryan. As Mila and I go about our day, I'm trying to imagine how it would be with Ryan running wild around us. If he were here I'd have made him these this morning..."

This touched my heart very deeply. It reminded me that though life can be challenging and mundane, I am SO LUCKY to have two healthy children, even if they are wild--even when they don't listen or have tantrums in the middle of the store or wont go to sleep early.  Yes it was a hard transition for me to go from 1 child to 2 children. And i know many frustrating experiences will come with entertaining an active opioniated toddler, driving a social pre schooler around to his different activities while nursing and caring for a newborn all day. What I feel from her post does not diminish my own experience, but I do feel a great amount of gratitude for my children, my circumstances and even my trials. As I turn to the Lord every time I struggle, I receive peace. That doesn't always mean things get easier but it means I know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me. I have felt their love and know it exists. Peace fuels my faith and endurance. 

"I am a child of God;

His promises are sure.

Celestial glory shall be mine 

If I can but endure."