Together at Last

Today ended a long waiting period for Levi & I (Craig as well)
As of 10:05 this morning- Papa was BACK!

Levi had just woken up from his nap as we walked into the airport and Craig came out of the gate, so needless to say his smile wasn't as BIG as we expected since he was still trying to wake up :)

However, it wasn't long after being home that Craig was really able to see how much Levi truly had missed him. We all were sitting at the kitchen table eating lunch and Levi would not take his eyes off of Craig... and those precious smiles couldn't stay hidden any longer.

I am absolutely in LOVE with these boys!
I love that our family is back together again.



While Levi was sneaking in some cuddle time with Papa
Papa was sneaking in some sleep :)
(traveling, long flights, and a 10 1/2 hour different time zone takes it's toll on ya)

Regardless of how much I missed Craig or longed to be there with him,
I am so grateful that the Lord allowed Craig to travel on this trip.
He is a wonderful and strong leader for our family.

Also, there are two things I was able to glean from his absence:

#1~ "Absence is to love as wind is to fire... it blows out the weak but kindles the strong"
Craig and I have long quoted this to each other, but the truth in it never fades.
I thank God for the way he reminds my heart of how much I love this man,
our time apart "purifies" my heart from the "things" that cloud it in our everyday lives.
It allows me to re-kindle my respect & adoration for my husband.

#2~ It reminds me that God is truly the one I must depend on.
It is easy in the busyness of life to just place my attention and trust in my husband who is physically with me, however, he cannot be my sole source of strength and satisfaction.
That is a role that only my God can fill.
These times apart from Craig serve as a sweet reminder to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.
May I always keep a passionate pursuit of my Savior, because only in doing so will I ever be able to truly love my husband and my son well.

~ Grateful~