I was just trying to get a cool, artsy photographs of a peach. You know – because it was a Thursday.

I had given Riley a Popsicle because that is what you snack on when it is eleventy million degrees outside.

He pulled up a chair and studied everything I was doing.

“Momma, do it that way!” “Mommy, move over there.” “Mommy, no more open.” (That means, close the door).

Riley has become such a part of my everyday. I am forgetting what it was like before he was here. Such a strange feeling. What did I do during the day when Julia and Nate were at school? I was probably more caught up on laundry.

Well, first I should tell you that I was wrong – last month I told you he had been with us five months. That is actually today! How I was off track by an entire month, I’ll never know.

Every day I walk deeper into this little one’s world.

Every day I realize that the mystery of the Cross is what matters. The world – its worries and troubles – fade away, when I think about loving Riley completely.

Of course, there are still worries. Plumbing breaks. Ceilings give way with monsoons. Bills show up in the mail. But the importance I place on these worries are no longer as significant.

It is in moments like these I can feel my heart aligning to His will. These moments are so very fleeting. I want to push pause and hold onto them forever. I pray for my heart to grow larger so that moments can become days and years.

Usually, I startle myself wondering if I really align… really, really align to His Will, what would that mean? Would I adopt another child? Five more? Ten more? Every single child that I learn of?

Would I write letters of encouragement to others until I had blisters to show for them?

Oh my selfish heart.

Be still and be quiet.

Be overshadowed by the cross.

Riley, you have taken me on a new journey. I promise to hold your hand through anything.