I know that as a mom who is "in the trenches" day in and day out, it can become all too easy to miss the growth and change in our kids. It happens so gradually and it seems like there's always something to be working on, so we can easily miss the very real progress being made and the hearts that really are being shaped and changed.

Recently I've been able to stop and really notice the growth in my sweet Sam and I'm so grateful. The very things we've been praying for most in his life are beginning to show fruit and that has encouraged me so much. He's grown in his thoughtfulness towards others, his willingness to kindly and gently help his younger siblings (without even being asked!), and his ability to accept and acknowledge when he's wrong. And I'll admit, it's a sweet reminder (and a huge relief!) to me that the Lord works in the hearts of our kids despite our weaknesses as their parents.

Sweet Sam joy...