carlson hYsTeRiA: How a 5 Year Old Can Impress You

So, Julia turned 5 yesterday. I can remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. I remember Kelly waking me up in a rush early that morning ... then waiting for her to take a shower, do her hair, put on her makeup (God, I love my wife!!!). I remember seeing Julia's head crown and watching the delivering doctor give her a mohawk in between pushes. I remember hearing that first cry and wanting to shout, out loud, how excited I was and how good God is for this little miracle.

Flash forward 5 years.

God is still good.

Julia is still a miracle to me.

So Julia's 5th birthday was a day with many unexpected things, and I was going to chronicle the craziness of a full house in this posting, but as the day finally wound down, I unpacked the day in my head. Instead of capturing a crazy, spontaneous, at times hectic day, I decided to capture how a 5 year old miracle can impress you (blow your socks off, even).

First, on a day of expecting great presents and activities for herself, in this case a round of black light miniature golf, and then getting disappointed because the place was closed when we got there - Julia impressed me because she did not throw a fit, or cry, or whine, or complain. She was content that she was with her family travelling around town in the mini van. Impressive.

Second, we spontaneously gave Jules the option to get her ears pierced (this is something she has been wanting and patiently awaited for the day for us to let her do it). We explained to her the quick implications of pain and the long implications of care and maintenance, and she readily and happily accepted the proposal. She took the pain like a champ (no tears, no whining, just a little shocked), and now our pretty little princess has earrings!!!

- Impressive.

Third, on a day that was supposed to be 'her' day, Jake slammed his fingers in the door ... again ... but this time it was pretty bad. On 'her' day, as Mommy and Daddy are frantically cooking in the kitchen and entertaining a 4 month old, Julia comes downstairs with a piece of paper and asks me,

"Can you help me write a prayer for Jake so his fingers can feel better?"

My heart melts. I start wondering if there is something magical and mystical about a child turning 5 and them finally getting it. Probably not, but it is rewarding as a parent to see those kinds of fruits and to realize that IT IS SINKING IN! I shake myself out of awe and amazement and help her spell out the bigger words

Most Impressive.

So, I am beaming as a parent the day-after. I'm sure I'll be yelling at her again tonight to get her chores done, but I am revelling in this moment for as long as I can.

And God is still good.

Here's a collage of pics from yesterday: