On our little slice of heaven, we’ve had many beginnings as animals have been born right here in our barn.
Each time I witness the miracle of a new life, it fills me with joy.
The mama goat struggled and pushed with all her might. Then the delivery!
I quickly cleared the nostrils and wiped the sac and fluid away.
The baby took her first breath, and moments later she walked! Wobbly legs didn’t stop her from taking a step and another, moving closer to Mama.
Mama goat and baby goat spoke the same language to each other. Reassurance and care from Mama. Seeking and thirsting from the baby.
The mother’s tongue was quick to lick and clean the little one until it was dry and fluffy. Baby learned to nurse and her cries were calmed.
All these details remind me that every creature has a story. The beginning, no matter how it happened, is miraculous!
A miraculous beginning, and a miraculous life.
At some point during the past years, my heart learned the words that find their way into prayer.
“Dear Father, I am so grateful to be alive.”
Living is an incredible gift.
I’m so grateful to be a part of the beginnings of those baby goats. We care for them, feeding them hundreds of bottles, and then we send them off to new homes and families. It’s hard to see them go.
Then I think of my dear children who are at the beginning of their lives. I’m so grateful to be a part of their lives. My heart loves those first snuggles when my baby took their first breaths on my chest. My heart also loves hugs from my almost-as-tall-as-me son. The beginning feels short and long. But it is still the beginning.
Someday they too will go off and live their own life. I don’t fully believe that day will come.
I’m too busy enjoying the beginning of their story. I watch them grow into who they were meant to be, but I also love seeing them be little and new.
I love being a part of my childrens’ stories now. And I’m so glad that being their mama is someone I always get to be, even as they’re grown and even into the eternities.
Oh, I do love the beginning of a story. These beginnings will always be a treasured part of my story.
Simple ways to Capture Your Child’s Story:
-Create a plan of what you want to capture. If you want to do monthly photos or birthday photos, set an event on your calendar/phone to remind you.
-Don’t fret over not taking photos for every cute moment or milestone. You’re allowed to just enjoy moments. Or write them down. Or ask someone else for their pictures.
-Ask your husband, friends, or another family member to capture pictures of you with your children.
-At the end of the year, compile a yearbook about your family. Especially include pictures that show relationships and special events.
-Set up an email account for your child and send emails documenting important milestones, etc. Use these write-ups to make a more permanent book.
Other ideas:
-Have a mantra that reminds you to treasure this time such as “I love being a part of their story.”
-Pray gratitude for who your children are and for their lives and record their strengths, knowing those are important to their futures.
