Avie has only been with us for three months, but I cannot remember what life was like without her. I have vague memories of sleeping for eight hours (OR MORE!?!?) at a time, but that seems like a lifetime ago! I guess I would be lying if I said I had loved every minute (those long screaming car rides come to mind...), but I can say that these have been the most amazing months of my life.

I have often heard God speak through "small" things, so it's no surprise that He has used this tiny person to teach me so much already. I love watching Avie learn about God's creation. When we are outside, she stares up at the trees, taking them all in with wonder and awe. I've walked by those same trees countless times without stopping to take note of God's amazing handiwork, but with her, each new venture is a time to enjoy what the Lord has made. I pray that she will always take time to be in awe of God and His amazing works.

Yesterday as I watched her sleep, God reminded me of His presence in my life. Sleeping on her side, Avie would sometimes stir and reach out her arms, as if she was checking to make sure I was still there. She would wiggle and whine, but as soon as I took her tiny hand in mine, she was soothed back to sleep. Doesn't God do the same thing for us? If we truly reach out, we will find that He is always there, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Although our life may be filled with the stress of this world, He will take our hand and fill us with the peace that passes all understanding.

One day, Avie will discover a pain inside that only God can soothe. I pray that on that day, she will reach out to Him, knowing that He is the only one who can provide the peace she needs.