“Mommy, when is Christmas?” My four-year-old looked at me with inquisitive eyes. “It’s just a week and a half away,” I answered. “But I want it to be Christmas now!” he said.

I can’t help but think about how quickly this year has gone by. “It’ll be here before you know it.”

2018 was a roller coaster of emotions for our family. We had hurts and joys, hospitalizations and healing, being a single mom family and then a two-parent family. As difficult as it was for me, I can only imagine how difficult it was for a four-year-old boy. In these formative years, there’s so much I want him to learn and remember. 

As we look ahead to the new year, I see lessons to learn from 2018’s ups and downs, highs and lows. Here’s what I hope my son takes away from 2018:

5. Love God, Love People

We found a church home this year. After looking for a while, we found a church with the motto “Love God, Love People, Change the World.” I want my son to embrace that vision and truly love others as God loves us. To be, as our pastor is fond of saying, “God’s love with skin.” Most nights Caleb asks, “Is it a church day tomorrow?” On Sunday mornings he hurries to the kids’ area as fast as he can without actually running. He loves playing with his new friends and learning about Jesus. I want him to learn to be God’s love with skin. To change the world. He’s well on his way. He already changed mine.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).

4. Be Thankful

It’s a time to give thanks for those we love. We’ve been blessed this holiday season to spend cherished time with family and friends. Granny from “Ooeesiana” came (that’s Louisiana, for those who don’t speak 4-year-old). Uncle Jason, Aunt Michelle and cousins Olivia and Nathan met us at a restaurant for a Thanksgiving meal. Caleb ate from almost everyone’s plate he was so hungry (that’ll be a story we’ll tell for years to come). Caleb also spent time with older bubbas Julian and Aiden, whom he dearly loves. I want my son to give thanks for the people in his life and appreciate the time he spends with them. 

“[B]e filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20).

3. Celebrate Life

A 4th Birthday! Caleb’s 4th birthday has come and gone, but I want him to remember to celebrate life every chance he gets. Life is precious and should be celebrated. Especially for one who almost wasn’t. I want him to hold onto the memories of those who celebrated it with him. 

“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light” (Psalm 36:9).

2. Appreciate Our Talents

Caleb won 2nd place in his division for fishing. He caught 5 fish — the limit. He sat proudly on the rock by the water’s edge, dangling his feet and holding the fishing pole tightly. My little boy squealed with delight every time he reeled a fish in. When he found out he won 2nd place, his face lit up in a smile. He was just as excited about the trophy as he was about the prize he took home. I want him to recognize his strengths and cultivate his talents. I want him to remember that God made him with special gifts and to use those to the best of his ability. Even in catching fish.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

1. God Still Works Miracles

Daddy came home — the greatest moment in Caleb’s little life. We had a rough six months. For a while, we didn’t know where Daddy was. Then one day Daddy showed up and told us he’d been saved and believed that God wanted him to take care of his family. He wanted to remarry me. After prayer, and a week of preparing for Daddy to come home, I said yes. We were remarried on April 9, 2018. It seems that God didn’t give up on Daddy. Neither should we. 

“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples” (Psalm 77:14).

What’s Next?

I’m looking forward to the new year and all that it will bring. 2019 will be the year Caleb starts kindergarten. It will be the year my son Julian graduates from high school. It will also be the year I finish my PhD, Lord willing. My family has a lot ahead of us. As we move into the new year, I pray our family, especially my little Caleb, will remember all the Lord taught us this year.

That we’ll still love God and others, still be thankful, still celebrate life, still appreciate our talents. Most of all, that we’ll know God still works miracles. We’ll be praying for more of those miracles. What lessons has God taught you this year that you hope to remember?