I used to be so clueless about the world of genders before I had children.
Boys? A complete mystery.
Girls? Why could we be so catty at times?
And though I thought these things in my mid-teenage brain, like any teen, I put up the front that I had all the answers and was just…cool.
But now that I’m a parent of both a little girl and two boys?
Wow. We could talk for hours on the things I’m starting to “get” about boys and girls and ultimately, men and women.
We didn’t shove the princess thing down Susannah’s throat. I wasn’t going to squelch it but I also wasn’t going to force her down that path either. If she arrived there on her own, fine. Of course, guess what? She loved a good princess story and I have several pictures of her in those frilly, tulle dresses pretending to be Belle and Ariel. It was precious and natural and allowed me to see that we girls absolutely have the innate desire to be lovely. To be delighted in. To be the apple of our father’s eye. To twirl in a frilly dress.
When my eldest child recently shared with me that she is done with dressing like a princess, a part of me whimpered.
Not because I don’t want her to grow up and move on but because, admittedly, a part of me doesn’t want her to grow up and move on.
On the other hand, the boys are attracted to any kind of ball, anything with wheels, and any work-vehicle you could possibly imagine.
Before I had these two little people, who I affectionately refer to as “Frick and Frack”, I could not have told you what a skid steer was nor a backhoe loader or a roller. I had never read books about firemen or bugs or John Deere tractors.
Tractors.
What is it about a tractor that mesmerizes a little boy? Sawyer and Solomon will stop their 250 mile per hour speed every single time we see a tractor and stare in awe at the wonder of the whole scene. The big, grooved tires. The plow on the front. The burly man usually occupying the cab.
We will then often launch into a discussion about the various jobs that tractors do – never in all of my 37 years have I thought so much about tractors. And now I know more about them than I ever thought possible.
This past weekend, I shot this photo of sweet little Solomon, stopping dead in his tracks to marvel at the beauty of a tractor virtually right in front of him. He was awestruck. It was almost more excitement than a two year old could possibly handle.
Could this be a desire of his heart? Could it really be that simple?
Sometimes the desires of your heart are big issues like conceiving a child or repairing a marriage or watching someone you love spiral out of control.
And other times, the desires of you heart are just another hour of sleep. That the line to get coffee would be short. That you might see a tractor.
I absolutely believe that God always, always knows just what we need and when we need it – whether it’s a “big” thing or a “small” thing. He is the ultimate minister.
I’m not sure how many plans a two year old can have for his life but God has a plan for him and loves him beyond measure. He reveals Himself through small desires of the heart so that we will learn to trust. To see that He is so good, to watch as a toddler boy delights in the world He created.
I’m leaving tomorrow morning to fly to Harrisburg, PA and attend the Relevant Conference. My roommate will be Erin from Home’s Where My Heart Is and I can’t wait to meet her face-to-face. I’m going on “blogcation” and won’t be posting tomorrow or Friday but I SHOULD be back on Monday. Tuesday at the latest.
I’m pretty sure the world will continue to spin on it’s axis but just wanted to bid you all a great rest of the week and a weekend spent devouring some yummy Apple Pear Gallette….:)
For more Word Filled Wednesday, hop on over to Internet Cafe Devotions!
Such a nice post.
.-= Denise´s last blog ..In Other Words Tuesday =-.
Awwww, that photo is so cute! When my son was little, he loved anything with wheels… he was crazy about all things cars, trucks, motorbikes and at 20 years old, he still loves them.
I enjoyed your post today darling… have fun at the conference… how wonderful that will be I am sure!
hey! guess what?! I’ve been to PA haha! Yes I have! I am not sure about Harrisburg but I’ve been to PA for a whole month. Just last year. See, I get around lol.
I love that God cares so much about each and every one of our desires!
And tractors . . . I’ve driven them. What do you think of that, Miss Natalie? Care for a spin on the farm? Bring your little man over, and we’ll let him have some delight! (Seriously!)
Enjoy your conference trip! As you’re gearing up for blogging, I’m seriously considering quitting — or taking major leave.
.-= GlowinGirl´s last blog ..Thankful for the Music =-.
Having children has sure helped me with my understanding (or lack of) of men and women, too. Have a great time in PA and tell Erin, “hey”…lover her blog as well.
Blessings for a safe trip.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..A Great Monday! =-.
Delightful read, Natalie. Thanks for the reminder that God is able to fill the big desires but also those seemingly insignificant ones. Hope you enjoy the conference and have safe travels.
.-= Wanda´s last blog ..The Waiting Blog Tour =-.
I know just what you mean about learning the names of all the trucks – I am still amazed that both my boys could identify all of them by name by age 2! My two year old is all trains these days. I always thought I’d be a mother of at least one girl and now I find myself with 2 boys, but lemme say that the drama a young boy can produce can rival that of ANY teenage girl! :D
Enjoy Relevant – I’d love to be there….maybe next year!
.-= heidi @ wonder woman wannabe´s last blog ..On Relating =-.
Love this post….I’m a farmwife and our grandsons 2 & 4 live far away and all they talk about is riding the tractor with Papa. I don’t always understand what is so exciting about those BIG tractors but it sure touches my heart when I hear them little ones talk about riding the tractor with Papa. I truly feel that when they are here with us that God is giving them the desires of their heart…spending time with PAPA on the FARM. Sometimes it breaks my heart because NANA is just in the house cooking and baking for them. When they call us on the phone and talk to me first it’s HI Nana I love you can I talk to PAPA! All because of those silly BIG tractors!
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your encouragement…reminding me that God knows perfectly the desires of my heart! Hope your blogcation is a blast!
.-= Bobbi´s last blog ..Word FILLED Wednesday- Keep Calm =-.
Wonderful entry both as an encouragement and a reminder. Sounds like a great week-end and know that meeting another “blogging buddie” will be such fun.
Our 2 year old Grandson’s other Grandfather has a farm in Ok. and he absolutely delights in riding on them with his Pops. My husband, his Poppa, entertains him with his golf cart and Bad Boy Buggy. Little boys are so interesting!
Blessings to you!
.-= Lea Culp´s last blog ..Seven Questions =-.
I’m back, just went and read your Life Story. Oh, my, what a testimony you are to God’s grace and forgiveness. He is able! Abundant blessings to you and I look forward to the next chapter. Hugs to you!
.-= Lea Culp´s last blog ..Seven Questions =-.
Just WAIT till you see next week’s WFW!! You will LOVE it! THIS is priceless and girl what a perfect pic to save and frame…it’s TOO cute!! Don’t you wish you could just bottle these days up???
Have a great time at Relevant! WIsh I were going…
Be safe and come back…we need ya!
hugs,
lori
wish i was going too! Have a fabulous time for me too!
So good. I had to stop and read it aloud to my husband. It totally spoke to both of us.
Thanks so much! ~Jessica
This is just so precious! I love it… and it reminds me of my “nephew” (by choice…really they are cousins) who went through that stage several years ago…ahhh how I miss those days :)
I hope you are having a BLAST at Relevant!!
.-= Christy´s last blog ..Organized Randomness =-.