The crisp air has arrived. The vibrant green of the trees is slowly fading. Our sweatshirts and jeans have been pulled out of their various storage places. Honestly, I'm sad... but, there will always be next summer. And, there are about a million things to look forward to this fall. Like caramel apples, mellowcreme pumpkins, and hot cider. Yum!!

Hudson looked at me and said, "God always promises." We were in his bed, reading his devotional book about one of the smallest creatures in the world and how God keeps it safe. And there was a verse that mentioned a promise of God. I replied, "Yes, and He always keeps His promises, too."

Isn't wonderful how children can pick out things in their simple faith?! It makes me smile and feel loved.

We think we're all grown up. In fact, Hudson thinks I'm grown up, and he and Alexandria didn't fail to remind me that I was old every single week they were at my house this summer. We had MANY laughs. But, I was thinking today about growing up after recalling a comment Hudson made last night while we were running and jumping on the rows of wrapped hay bales. I was walking over to join in on the fun and he yelled, " Ash!! I'm a grown-up now! I can jump from one row to another!" The grin on his face was priceless. The rows of bales were pretty far apart in spots for my twenty-two year old legs, let alone the little legs of a seven year old. We're just like him. We stand on the edge and jump. When we land, we think that we've grown up SO much. Which, we might have grown up in one area, but if we were looking from God's perspective, He would probably be looking at us like I was looking at Hudson! I smiled at the victory, but then thought, "Wow! If only it was that simple. It'll be years before he's considered a grown-up."

I think we're like seven year olds who suddenly think they're grown-ups. We conquer ONE thing and think we've made it to the top. But, what if we never do make it to the top in this life? What if we're just half way to who Jesus wants us to be? I don't want to be apathetic, but I don't think that I will "grow-up" completely until I am in heaven with my Lord and Savior. Then, and only then, will I understand what it is to TRULY live.

Then, I will see vividly what really is important. Then, I will see how little I am. Then, I will completely understand my need for the Father. And then, I will grow-up in Him... completely. In the mean time, I'm glad He humors my "I'm grown-up" celebrations. And then, I'm glad that He catches me when my little life is put back in perspective.

I feel grown up (to an extent) in this world. I live with my husband. We make it on our own. I make dinner and do laundry. Patrick takes out the trash... sometimes. We're "grown-up" in this world... But, to God, we're children. He takes care of us. He gives us food and clothing and a roof over out heads. He  provides for us, because He loves us. Because, He is good. Because, He keeps His precious promises, just like Hudson said. He is so good. He is THE promise keeper of all promises He's ever made. And, I rest in that... as a child of the Most Holy One.

Praise His beautiful name!