Nothing but Joy

When I was pregnant with Elise Jane I felt strongly that her arrival and contribution to our family would be a metaphor, a means through which God would manifest his loving care for me and my family.

When all the complications of her birth worked into a perfectly timed, seamless delivery with the help I needed in town and no negative health effects for me or Elsie Jane, I thought I had gotten the message: Turn your life over to God, he will provide for you and care for you far better than all that you would have planned.

Then, during the summer, I found myself praying, pleading for reassurance that a situation would resolve itself in the best way for me and my family. While I was praying, Elsie Jane began to cry. As I held my sweet little baby, her head nuzzling softly into my neck, this thought came clearly to my mind: "Elsie Jane is the metaphor," followed by the question: "Emily, what has Elsie Jane brought into your life?"

The answer presented itself almost the instant the question was formed. It required no thought or contemplation: "Nothing but joy."

As a mother of two children I fully expected to be smitten with my third. I knew I would adore her and be grateful for her presence in our family.

But, I am a realist. I also expected that life would be harder for having her there. That three kids would, of course, be a greater challenge than two.

As time has passed and I have reflected on this simple statement, I am in awe of it's truthfulness. Elsie Jane has brought me nothing but joy.

I cannot say that my life is harder for having her in any way. She is the most pleasant, contented, happy child I have ever encountered. I did not know that such easy-going babies existed. She has not been a burden, but she has been a delight.

Her smiles melt my heart. And, those dimples. Oh my! I love her blue eyes and her beautiful lips.

She can entertain herself, loves anything her sisters do with her, and is patient with her parents. She naps and sleeps. She eats most anything.

In the last two weeks she has taken to almost exclusively walking to get places, and she is fast! She loves to climb and try to keep up with Mia and Maggie. If they go somewhere, she always follows.

She is friendly and adaptable. She is starting to make friends (at least one who joined us for her birthday party).

In everything that she is, Elsie Jane has enriched our family. I can't pick her up or hold her close or look at her from across the room without marveling at how her presence has created such happiness.

As she turns one year old, I am grateful for Elsie Jane, who has in all ways lived up to the meaning of her name, "God's gift of abundance."

With my three girls, I am learning everyday how much abundance must truly await me in life. If Elsie Jane is the metaphor than I can trust that all that God intends for me is an overflowing of love and joy.