Backdraft #3: It's in the Details…

Drafted on February 7, 2006

I learn so much about God through my children. In particular, I learn about the grace he gives to us – the love he pours out.

At times, I struggle with value and why any Being could love me in spite of my faults. Then I think about my kids. They infuriate me sometimes. I have felt embarrassed by things they have said or done. I have even felt hurt at times. However, these things are so small compared to my love for them – I adore them. I would never, ever turn my back on my children. It is through this role as Mother that I can better see why God can love me so much and I can begin to understand why He would choose to bless me despite my deliberate actions to disobey. I can even see how he might delight in who I am, that He can see some of Himself in me.

I have thought about this before, but it was brought to the front of my mind this morning again. Joel asked me why we have noses. Before I could answer, he volunteered, “So we can breathe?” “Yes, definitely – our noses help us to breathe Joel,”

I went on to tell him that we also smell through our noses. As I talked to him I realized how even our noses are an act of love from our Creator. Our noses help us smell pretty things (like Mommy's lotion – Joel loves it when I wear pretty-smelling lotion), tasty things (yay cookies!), and even the wonderful smell of a campfire (mmmm, roasted marshmallows!). I then explained that smell is also a protection – from things like dangerous smoke. He reminded me of our smell hunt recently. We sniffed about the house hunting down smoke we smelled. It turned out to be a wooden spoon burning on a hot coil in the dishwasher. I told him that our noses warn us so we can protect ourselves from smoke and fire and even from stepping in dog poop.

This conversation is yet another example of how being a mom has helped me understand the heart of God better. He thought of every possible detail. Our noses – even down to the hair in our noses – serve a purpose. It's is delightful to see how such a small part of who we are shows the complete and great love God has for his creation,