If only I could bottle it up!

There have been many times that I have said to Jason, 'Don't you just wish we could bottle up certain times with our kids and then take it out and enjoy it and then put it back for later?'. Ohhh, how I wish that were true! When the kids are small, say cute things, do sweet things, change etc. If only I could bottle it up and take it out to enjoy every now and then. But, I can't. I have made the choice to not dread each age. Why do that! They will grow, they will change...it's inevitable. However, it is hard to not mourn the 'death' of an age. But, it is exciting to see the 'birth' of the new. It is my (and Jason's) desire to let the children 'go' as they get older. This prepares us for the ultimate 'going' when they move out and even bigger step of when they marry. God gives us children to raise, but not for our glory, but for His! God, please guide us and give us the wisdom to show them how to serve You and honor You. That life is not about them, but is about honoring and living lives to please You. And, God, when the times come that I sit here and mourn the 'death' of this age, please remind me that each day is a new 'birth' to them growing and each day is another day to teach them about You and to serve You. What a load parents carry, but what a HOPE we have in Christ that we can and should have a Christ centered home with an ever growing relationship with Him!