Quick Take

My son Matthew pitched five innings the other night against the Lugnuts. I couldn't have been prouder! Standing up on that pitcher's mount takes a lot of courage. There was a lot of pressure on him to perform - to get that ball over the plate . . . nice and easy.

Capturing the moment, I fought the wind and a chain link fence with my video camera. Gusts of dust were not going to get in my way. There I stood, on the other side of the fence, watching my baby boy grow into a man. It was all on him, Mom couldn't rescue him this time. Even if I did feel like going out there and giving him a hug, it would have been the very wrong thing to do. There was nothing I could do but watch, and pray that God would help him throw straight.

The next evening, we hooked the event up to our large screen TV, making Matthew a star. It was magical seeing him in his element. Tears filled my eyes as only a mom's could.

We pulled out some of the older videos as well, and spent the evening reminiscing. Makayla with her little blond tufts of hair and her Binky, Mikey and his Christmas program-- too cute!! Comparing those images with the giants on my couch made me realize just how quickly they grow.

The Bible says that children are a heritage from the Lord. I would have to agree. Nothing has grown me more than motherhood, nothing has brought me as much joy and pain all in the same breath.

Moments captured, moments truly lived. It is my hope that when my kids grow up, that they will look back and see that God was very much a part of our birthday parties, sporting events and Christmas mornings - all in the form of Love.