Now I see.....

"Arnie and the New Kid" was tonights homework book for Macie. A cute story with a deep meaning that Macie and I both enjoyed. I love being a mom, I am not the perfect parent and I don't have all the answers and although I try to be a leader physically, emotionally and spiritually I am human and a work in progress as well. Its been one of the greatest joys in Scott and I's life to watch Macie grow and learn new and exciting things. It seems like just yesterday her eyes were wide with wonder because she had an ah ha moment and discovered those things flapping around in front of her were hands, or the moment she learned to crawl and loved playing in the dogs water dish. Although I miss those first moments as she developed from infancy to a toddler and then a preschooler I have to admit I am still amazed at her even now as a school kid. Although she isnt a baby anymore the speed and power of each stage and transition is amazing. There is a sense of maturity and understanding now in Macie that wasnt there as a baby or toddler.

One of the best experiences for us recently is by Macie learning to read. It seemed like literally overnight she came home and developed this new understanding and knowledge of words and sounds. It hit me tonight though how powerful it is just merely having the ability to read. Its not something we are ever aware of as children, we don't realize what we are missing because there is never a time where we are conscious of our ability to read or the experience of really being without it and being aware of what we are missing. When we learn to read our eyes are opened, we gain insight and an amazing ability to process and understand information on a deeper level. Like I said before when we learn to read we are doing it with a new perspective. We have learned to live and be ok with not being able to read as children because mentally and emotionally our brains werent able to digest the information and depth behind the words or phrases before us. Imagine in your mind for a second your normal routine each day. Imagine all the moments you are required to read in order to function, now imagine for a second you could see the words before you but had no way of making sense of them? You could see that there were letters and you knew they meant something but you couldnt translate the meaning behind them. You were able to understand they represent something but when it came to putting them together your brain just couldnt process that yet and you weren't at a stage where you were capable of uncoding the meaning.

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see. My chains are gone I've been set free, My God my savior has ransomed me. Like a flood, His mercy rains, unending love amazing grace." For so long I experienced life but I didnt really live. I went through the motions but the power and depth behind the struggles and joys lacked an ability to really appreciate each moment. When I found Jesus the blinders came off and life became more colorful, things started to make sense and there was purpose and meaning behind even the simplest moments. This doesnt mean I understand all of lifes lessons each day, it doesnt mean I can always translate the theme behind the story, but it means I am able to objectively see with an understanding and perspective thats not clouded. Its still a journey and I'm a work in progress. Its still about growing and learning who we are in Christ and using that insight to make sense of life a little more clearly. Sure we can function without reading but how much easier is the journey when we can make sense of the instructions before us each day. The Bible is a way for us to understand Gods commandments and promises for our lives. Its not merely a book of rules like some people think but instead a book of information, you can follow the information and use it as an instruction manual to help make your journey more understandable or you can merely look at it as if there is no meaning behind the words on those powerful pages. Proverbs 4:809 (AMP) "But the path of the just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared]. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble."


I am thankful for the Bible and for the way that God uses it to reveal His promises but also warnings and protection for my life. I am thankful for the way that Christ has rescued me and has taken the blinders off my eyes and given me new understanding and apprection for life and the story He is writing in my life. Isaiah 43:16 "And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I will make darkness into light before them and make uneven places into a plain. These things I have determined to do [for them]; and I will not leave them forsaken." Your grace is truely amazing Jesus and although I once was lost I am now found and although blind I now can see!!! Not only can I see but I can understand Your voice and promises for my life, yes thats definitely amazing!