Sweet moments. These are the things I, as a mom, live for. I love my kids. I love them dearly. But sweet moments don’t come very often. Most days are fairly mundane and routine. Feed kids, hear them complain. Dole out chores, hear some more complaining. Send them outside for their good and my sanity. Do a bedtime routine. Repeat.

But, ah, those sweet moments. When you see the pure joy in your child’s face and know that the little things you did to make their day made an impression.

Thankfully this little boy is easy to please. He has been since the day he came into this world, four years ago now. I remember that day vividly. I had waited and waited for him to come. He was two weeks over due. I was in pain because he had displaced my hips so I didn’t do much but sit in my rocker wishing for labor to start. He was 9 pounds 13 ounces and I felt all of that as he came into this world. And to top it off he came in the middle of a snow storm, in the middle of the night. Thank the Lord my midwife lived close by!

But even though that labor wasn’t easy, he has been such an easy, sweet child. I’d say 95% of the time he is cheerful, smiling, and happy to go along with the crowd. He’s easy to love and please, I guess you could say.

So, as his birthday approached, I thought, oh this will be easy. Should be a piece of cake 😉

He told me for months he wanted a Lightning McQueen birthday. Perfect, I thought. There’s plenty of Cars toys and birthday items out there. That’ll be quick and easy and he’ll be happy.

Then four days before his party, as I was making my grocery list, I wanted to confirm the Lightning McQueen theme. He looked at me as if I was from another planet, scrunched his cute little face and said, “Uh, no Mom, I want a blue dinosaur party.” He said it as if he was saying, “Where have you been, Mom? Have you not been following my thought train here?”

Ok, massive gear switch. Blue dinosaur parties aren’t exactly as popular as Lightning McQueen, but we made it work. Good thing they make that disgusting blue frosting and sell it at Target. Good thing there’s Pinterest! And good thing I have kids who are creative.

My kids began to draw blue dinosaurs and hang them all over the dining room. They were so excited to make David’s day special for him.

I can’t say my cake was a masterpiece but it was fun and my kids thought it was “AMAZING!” as they put it. So glad my kids’ standards aren’t as perfectionistic as mine!

As we sang Happy Birthday and he blew out his candle with a huge smile, I knew I had succeeded in giving him a special day. And it made my day special. So often I forget that even the little things can make such a difference for someone. All too often I think it has to be extravagant or expensive, but showing we love someone can be small and simple and totally free even.

It makes me think about Jesus and the sweet moments he wants to give us throughout our days. Do we notice? Do we get a big smile and say thank you as genuinely as a four year old? Do we recognize that it’s Him giving generously and freely of himself over and over or do we chalk it up to coincidence? And then, do we in turn give freely of ourselves, putting others above ourselves and watching their face light up with joy?

Mamas, these days can be long and tiresome. But look for those sweet moments that bring our kids such joy. And make those sweet moments happen, even if it’s simple. It could just make their day….and yours.