That quaking awakening. Everything in the room is blurry. My brain is desperately trying to pinpoint my location. My heart feels like it is going to beat out of chest. Slowly I recall my everyday involvement in a life that I have somehow ceased to remember for only the faintest of a second.

Then the cry. The original reason for the abrupt jerk back into reality. The sound that motivates a mother like nothing else ever will. I run-walk across the wood floor, careful not to disturb any other members of the house. As I reach the source, sleep has since overtaken.

I stare. Watching him breathe in deeply. A huge smile spreads as I take in this unplanned moment in time. I linger a little longer than I should and throw a thank you up the King. Thank you for allowing me to be his mom. Thank you for sharing such a precious gift with me.

So many quaking awakenings. Precious sleep interrupted by a cry or a yell. Many trips across that creaky, wooden floor. Nights of lingering glances. Midnights and mornings spent listening, watching, and praying. A heart completely full. A heart completely thankful. A wholly, satisfied, tired mother.

But it is all worth it. Every. Second. Worth. It.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV