The process

Sometimes in the next week, we will meet a new member of our family! While I can hardly believe the pregnancy has come to the end, like everything, it's definitely been a process. There's a process to making life form, just like there is a process to developing character. While every parent knows that lessons must be taught more than once, I think we forget the process of character development really can take a lifetime.
I didn't fall in love with Jesus over night. It was a process. My husband and I didn't have a healthy marriage over night, it has been a process. Similarly, I cannot concern myself when my children show growth and appreciation one minute, and detrimental integrity flaws the next. They are going to have a long process of maturation. How can we expect them to get it right every time? Wasn't it the really ugly stuff in me that took the longest to rectify? Even grown adults don't change completely when they come to know the Lord. They may have some distinct changes in the beginning, but without others to help shape and encourage them toward that new character, they will still gravitate back towards what they've always known. The Bible even compares it to a dog returning to its own vomit! Thus, we can't lose sight when our sweet little ones grow up and hit some hard, rocky soil. It may be the hard they need to truly turn in a new direction.
Moreover, when we have been forgiven little, we love little, but "those who have been forgiven much, love much" (Luke 7:47). It takes a lifetime to learn, so we must "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil 2:12) and continue to add to our "fruit of the spirit" so that we "do not become unproductive and ineffective" (2 Peter 1:5).
Do not fret as so many definitives do about current predicaments. What seems hard in the moment may just be part of the process that is unpleasant, like labor! It will eventually end, and the beautiful opportunities will far outweigh the entire process.

Roman was finally ready for paint in the bath, but needed to be reminded first that popsicles are edible, not paint.

My boys love American Ninja Warriors, and all want to audition one day!

We were so glad daddy got home from his trip before the baby was born, so we celebrated with ice cream!

Summer fruit and Marshmallow kabobs are the best!

Levi is trying out a new daytime hand splint to see if we can stretch his wrist a little more.

This boy is certainly a gift to watch process his development!

Silas randomly made a little Levi and pointed out his small right hand that needs to keep getting stronger!
(Melt my heart!)

Daddy just wanted to sleep a little more for Father's Day.

I am utterly grateful to watch my hubby through the fatherhood process. He's amazing, and it's a gift from God to say the least! Can't wait to see him with one more snuggled up next week!

~Process Buster