(I just found this in my archives, one of the first pieces I ever attempted to write… thought I’d share it.)
I’ve been thinking lately, about numbers. I have a lot of numbers in my head these days – significant, bewildering, unimportant – all kinds of numbers. They give entrance to important details about me, they tell me how much money I owe, they tell me my grocery budget, – Numbers. Anyone who knows me, would tell you I’m not a numbers kind of gal – I do not give them much thought. ever. But, a number that has taken on new meaning to me is this number, three…
You know there are numbers in Scripture that mean things. There’s seven – it’s a big one. Its recognized during the seven days of creation in Genesis. So, I suppose it has a fairly high rank of importance. And forty – its pretty big, too – the flood was for forty days – and then Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days. But three – it takes a place all unto its self – the trinity – three – speaks of The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit – the three-in-one. It definitely deserves recognition.
Aside from that (as important as that is) three has come to mean something completely different to me over the past couple of months. Three now means – three clean outfits to find on Sunday morning. Three juice cups or bottles to make up when mouths are thirsty. This is a big ordeal if my dishwasher is full, but not run yet. It means three people to potty train – one is successful and accomplished in this category, but two to go. It means three to keep track of at the park and three to buckle in their seats when no one wants to leave yet… (this in particular should be considered a form of aerobic work out). I could go on.
There are many wonderful things about three. Its three times that I will watch for someone’s first steps with anticipation. Three times the amount of hugs during the day, with three requests for snuggling and stories at bedtime. And three will be how many will call out “mama” for the first time. Three will surprise me with beautiful artwork for the refrigerator. And three will bring small and large victories to our home, like learning to ride a bicycle, or reading a few first words, or playing on a first piano recital – three to make me burst with pride.
Three is personal now – with very particular, lovable faces. Emily, Isaac and Mackenzie. First was Emily, my sincere and diligent child. She captured my heart with her black hair, sparkling eyes and her quiet spunk. Second, by surprise, was my little sweet heart, Isaac, with a sensitive heart and smiling eyes, a heart breaker for sure. And there’s Mackenzie, my third blessing. We’ve really only just met, she and I, but even now her personality is peeking out with its own unique features, with a giggle that bubbles from her little belly and a grin that warms me all the way to the tips of my toes.
These are the three, entrusted to Michael and me by our Heavenly Father. Three to love unconditionally as Christ has loved us. Three to raise, with Him on their minds and in their hearts.
There are so many numbers out there with special interests demanding time and space in my brain. But this number three claims real estate in my heart. All by itself as a stand alone it does not represent anything significant. However – to me it is a reflection of God’s handiwork and creativity; Its the number of incredible children that God has given to our family. And I wonder – Could there be anything more special or wonderful…?
Thank you God for this beautiful number, three.
md
(written November 18, 2009)
daily portion 