Because Bedtime Isn’t Everything

Many nights are hurried.  They are a rush of what’s for dinner, homework, baths, and bedtime.  They are sitting in the living room after the kids are in bed feeling like I hardly saw them, hardly heard about their day or learned what they’re thinking or how they feel.

But, not tonight.

Tonight we  sat at the table long after dinner was finished, giggling, telling stories, and getting the baby to do funny tricks.  Tonight we laughed until we couldn’t catch our breath.

Tonight we got Emerald to make a “cool” face.  As she cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes in a “cool” pose, I told her to say, “I’m so cool.”  Without breaking character at all, she narrowed her eyes just a little more and said, “I’m so cold.”

Tonight I told the kids that I had read that one of their favorite semi-celebrities was engaged.  Sawyer said, “Well, that’s better than getting married. At least they don’t have to kiss in public.”

Tonight Adelade laughed so hard that she fell out of her chair.

Tonight when I kissed the third child and walked out of her room, I felt like I had been with my kids.

Tonight I saw little glimpses of who they are becoming, how they are changing, and how short the time is.

Around an old kitchen table, I looked from one baby to the next to the next.  And I loved what I saw.

Tonight was just a fleeting moment, but the giggles will ring in my ears.  Somehow God shows me again and again His love and mercy and goodness through three  little children who look just like their daddy.

Tonight, bedtime was late.

And, tonight, I didn’t even care.