Mother of a toddler

So, I guess it's safe to say I have officially reached "mother of a toddler" status. Yesterday was the first day that Benjamin walked on his own for significant stretches of the day. I realize that there are still days of crawling and carrying ahead, but I am very encouraged that he has made the mental leap necessary to walk. He is constantly changing and learning from Bram and I, Jenny and Ryan and anyone else he interacts with.

Jenny and I were talking this morning about the time that he couldn't do anything - not even roll over. He was completely dependent on someone to do everything for him - I thought that was a busy time in my life. Now that he has many skills to accomplish his own ends, this is the truly busy time! I have to watch and listen every moment he is awake. Even as I write this he is getting into the basket by the door that holds all the car keys and trying to use them on the front door lock.

That makes me realize that he really watches what the adult around him do. I really have to carefully consider my actions before I even attempt them because this little one imitates everything I do. What am I modeling for him in my daily life, my interactions, my priorities, and my routine? Am I truly exhibiting for him the things of first importance - my daily devotion to growing in godliness, the priority of my role as wife, mother, homemaker? All these thoughts are borne out of my son learning to walk. It just proves that God can use the smallest things to change our perspective and challenge us to change. I guess the catch is that we have to be paying attention. I pray today that God uses the seemingly routine or insignificant things that happen to us to open our eyes to His truth and give us hearts of obedience to follow Him - just as my little boy follows me around today!