Life's Best Gifts...

Today was bittersweet; the last day for one of the tots in my childcare

because he is going to be a big brother soon!

But oh, what a day it was!

... a medley of messes and music!

Beginning with a most spectacular unveiling...

...and as much as I miss the tots when they leave,

 I miss their moms just as much (if not more)!

because they've become dear friends forever!

Life’s best gifts do not fit inside a box

But often take us by tender surprise

As what appears quite commonplace unlocks

A vault of wealth dressed in darling disguise

Of innocence of little girls and boys

Reminding us of childhood’s purest joys

Of happiness gift-wrapped in mess and noise

And beauty we don’t always recognize

…until the past claims its inherent due

With age old ways that stun us constantly

Exchanging what we are accustomed to

For something new to startle you and me

Reminding us to live-laugh-love-and-pray

To take the time to treasure each today

Because The Present is a gift; its tray

Laden without tomorrow’s guarantee

The gifts that fit in boxes bring us cheer

And let a loved one know that they are prized

But the gifts that we hold forever dear

Are often hug and smile and teacup-sized

As hours like flower gardens unfold

Lavish extravagance of moment-gold

Granting gifts that only the heart can hold

With what is often commonplace-disguised

We often wonder at the way time flies

Like feet wearing holes through new pairs of socks

The thunder of What Was mingles with sighs

Of thankfulness for what today unlocks

In skylines running rife with life to seize

Before morn’s frame is filled with memories

Where sooner or later each heart agrees

Life’s best gifts do not fit inside a box

The gifts we cherish most are works of art

Forged into friendships from life’s highs and lows

The keepsakes that we cradle in the heart

Are love’s most fond and favored mementos

Of what at first glance may seem like not much

Just work and play and hope and pray and such

Until we slow enough to taste and touch

Too many gifts to count, that grace bestows

© Janet Martin

Of what at first glance may seem like not much

Just work and play and hope and pray and such...

below, in the summer, her favorite snack is popsicles!

in the winter I think her favorite snack is icicles😍

Every good and perfect gift is from above...

James 1:17