How do I love you... let me count the ways

It's amazing what a pair of running sneakers and an hour on the tread mill at the gym will do for you! I typically do not love running in the gym. In fact, I don't like it at all. But today I was there because I snoozed right on through my morning run and since it was later in the day, Cole went with me. He played with his friends in the day care... (which if we have to put it on record, I don't love... but he was excited to go with his friends and so we did). At the gym there is a personal t.v. on every tread mill... and since I can't stand watching daytime television (no offense and I love many people that enjoy a good morning show) I turned my t.v. to channel 101. That is the station that shows the daycare center. Then I put my ear plugs in and tuned my i-pod in to mo-tab! and cranked up the speed!

As I ran I watched little Coley's every move on television and I had an epiphany...

I could see his every move right in front of me... but I couldn't do much about it, even if I wanted to... so I just watched and ran. As I did I felt lonely when he was standing by himself seeming friendless. I felt happy when he began twirling around as if he danced in the rain. I was excited to see him running around and playing... it added mileage to my run! I felt proud when he courageously asked the daycare attendant for a piece of paper to color on. He was being so independent! It was so fun to see Cole be "Mr. Cool Breeze" with his friend Erika.... They hang out like teenagers! I felt joy when he helped a little child get up who had fallen. I worried that if I turned my head I might miss a second of his time in day care! After all, I couldn't get to him fast enough if he fell... he was clear up stairs! In my heart I prayed for his safety while I was running (downstairs). In that moment, I loved him something fierce! I even became extremely interested in the day care providers who were taking care of my son. I saw them pick up and cuddle a small baby. I saw one assist Cole in getting his art supplies. I watched another take a hug from a little boy. And I was grateful for their kindness.

Then... Like a ton of bricks I realized that I was feeling a meager portion of the unconditional love that our Heavenly Father has for his children.... and I came to further realize that He trusts us with His children. It was engraved deeper into my soul that I have a responsibility to Him to help raise His children during their time away from His presence... and I felt invigorated to do so better. I envisioned Him watching over us... like I watched Cole on channel 101... knowing not only everything that Mr. Cole did, but also everything that his care provider offered. I believe that our Heavenly Father entrusted me with many of the feelings that He feels every day while He is presiding over us.

And so I share with you... I love my little people... they are a gift.

It was a good run.