Draw Nearer: The Island

or click here to watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO7k8sd8Lvw

Dear Little Bear Cubs,

Sometimes it takes a song for someone to sing what I can't say. 

It seems that, forever, I have searched for words to express the love that your Daddy and I have for each other....and for you.  No matter how fervently I dig in the trenches of soul, the words that well up still fall short of fully expressing the depth of love, connection, and adoration I feel for him...and for you.

I found a song by Jeff Brinkman that beautifully describes the love that Daddy and I share.

Before you were ever born, we wanted to grow something solid and inseparable that would, one day, be the foundation that each of you could begin your lives on.

The song says, 

"You'll be the ocean - I'll be the land - 

And we'll make us an island for the young ones to stand. 

And you'll stay here - we'll sail away from harm 

I will keep you warm and safe in the harbor of my arms."

We have worked hard to build our island...

where you can't tell where the land stops and the water begins.

An island where you feel protected from harm -

Where you can always feel warm and safe in the harbor of our arms.

Daddy and I talk about you every day. 

Every. Day.

We are trying our best to raise you up unto the Lord.

Sometimes we don't handle things right...

sometimes we say the wrong things...

but you still love us and forgive us

and you're patient as we try to navigate this

thing called, "parenthood".

Just as we fall short,

you have your moments, too...

but the fact remains that no matter

what you do...no matter what you say...

regardless of any poor choices you might make it life...

We are your island-

and you will ALWAYS 

have a place here.

We strive, every day, 

to feed our marriage, friendship, and love 

so each of you can know the blessing

 of having that firm ground beneath your feet.

We promise you that we will always make sure 

our island is built on the rock of Christ -

to keep our family firmly anchored to 

His teachings, His love, and His forgiveness 

that allows us all to cleansed and healed when we fall short.

I love you, Little Bear Cubs.

Your Daddy loves you

and your Heavenly Father loves you.

Love,
The Mama Bear

I

"