sternly gentle reminders

I'm having another night with the nephew. We have a deal worked out: he doesn't cry and I get my knuckles chewed and slobbered on. He is four months and a day old today. He has patiently endured kisses and baby talk and camera flashes and being passed around the table from adoring family member to family member.

Every time I'm around the kid, I'm reminded of how the apostle says that we should desire the Word the way that babes desire milk. As much as I love Jaden and as much as he smiles for me (which is a lot, if I do say so), he desperately wants and needs something that I can't give him. Correlate that however you want--I take it as a sternly gentle rebuke.

Another stern, gentle reminder: "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."

As much as I might flatter myself, I am just a distraction--hopefully a good one--in Jaden's little world. He knows what's really important. And I know better than to not follow his example.