Therapy for Henry Connor has also been therapy for me. In this context, when I say therapy I do not mean a therapy away from the home or with another individual in our home.

In Webster’s 1828 dictionary the definition of therapy (treatment) is this:

Manner of applying remedies to cure.

It has been therapy FOR ME since it slowed me down. For one, and the most obvious thing is that it is in his best interest that we have a slower pace, especially those first several months. Not transitioning too quickly or over scheduling was pretty important. This allows for tons of creative free play, time in nature, games in the floor, plenty of time to eat a meal, read the same book over and over, etc.

I did not have my usual amount of energy during those first 3-4 months. God has gifted me with a generous amount of energy most of the time SO that season forced me to take it easy.

One phrase I have tried to say repeatedly to Henry is, “You’re Amazing!” I could tell he had no idea what I was saying the first 50 times but I just kept at it.

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How interesting words are…. words that we don’t even know what they mean but can eventually take root into our hearts. Most of the time, us adults, know good and well what our words mean. But what a beautiful chance it is to speak words of life over a human that has no idea what you are saying. I can NOT believe that I get the privilege of doing this with a new son. (And for our other children/ husband too for that matter!)

I would prefer to just leave this post with how wonderful my words can be as I bestow them upon our children but it isn’t fair to not share how my words can do the opposite:

My words can tear down so quickly.

My words can be impatient.

My poor choir of words can quickly become a habit. Just like I shared in the post called “No Problem.” Then it takes effort to change the way we do things.

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Back to the part where I was saying something life giving rather than the other……

I was overcome with genuine fondness one day as Henry walked past me on the porch. I said, “Henry, you are absolutely amazing.” To which he quickly cuddled into my lap as he nuzzled his face right up against mine and said, “You mazin’ Mama.” He kept his face there for a good minute or two and just soaked it in.

I soaked it in as well. I know he felt my tears hit him on his forehead as he looked into my eyes making sure it was a happy cry.

Isn’t it just wonderful to give and receive love? I have the chance 8x over in a day with our big family. But even greater than that is the love God has for me- and YOU. He loved us FIRST not the other way around.

I John 4:10

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Friends, YOU are Amazing!! Soak it in today! And tell someone around you! 😊

“Encourage one another daily – as long as it is called ‘Today’- so that none of you will be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3: 13