Count It All Joy

As I went down to pick up the kids from their respective classrooms after Bible Study this morning, the wails bellowing out of the nursery could be heard clear down the hall. They were much, much louder than usual. I got Chloe and hurried down to Eli's room wanting desperately to relieve the poor ladies that had been stuck in their for 2.5 hours. As I got closer I peeked in and saw babies EVERYWHERE and all of them were screaming at the top of their lungs. Frazzled moms were holding crying babies, patient workers were holding crying babies, swings were holding unhappy babies... it was unreal. Then, like a bright spot in the middle of the floor lay Eli looking around contentedly. The only baby in the room not wigging out. As I went in and scooped him up an older lady ran over to me and said "What number baby is he?" I searched around for my numbered sticker to show her that he was, in fact, my baby, when she continued, "surely he's your third or fourth baby. I've never seen such a happy baby.. he's the only one that didn't cry.. and that smile.. so sweet.. such a beautiful disposition...I just loved having him.." As I always do when I hear these things, I looked at the lady like she was a nutcase and explained why and how she was completely wrong. Didn't she see how he started wailing the second I walked in? He is not this happy at home! He's a pain, yadayada.... She looked hurt, and I felt awful. I ended by sheepishly telling her thank you, that he is indeed a sweet baby, and making a beeline toward the door with my bags and babies in tow. Before I could get out, the full-time nursery worker stopped me and said "I told everyone not to worry about Eli, all you'll hear from him are happy squeals. He didn't dissapoint, no sir. Such a sweet baby."

I've been thinking a lot since then. What a blessing it should be for me to see my child bless other people. He is such a joy to others, and he loves me so much! I should feel so good that he reacts to seeing me. I should love the fact that when I walk in he wants nothing more than to be in my arms. What a blessing from God. I'm reminded of the old hymn.. "count your many blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.." God is full of surprises, they're there all along. Sometimes we just need a little perspective.