This is the first time I have ever had a newborn and also have a child in school. Not surprising, the Lord has been using it to shine a light on yet another layer of control I think I have with my kids.

Alberta sleeps in a bassinet right next to my bed. She’s likely as physically close to me as she will ever be for the rest of her life. Meanwhile, her oldest sibling started first grade this year. He’s physically the farthest from me he’s ever been in his entire life.

On the one hand, I have the most control over Alberta I will have for the rest of her life. And yet, I cannot control her. If she wants to wake at 1 am and scream, she can. Maybe she will sleep 4 hours after that. Maybe 45 minutes.

Likewise, John Robert is only six. I know the vast majority of you with older kids would most certainly say my level of control is still extremely high. And yet, for seven hours everyday he is out of my watch. He’s spreading those wings without me there.

I don’t have any conclusions from all of this. It’s simply a strong juxtaposition I can’t stop thinking about. Another area where I believe my proximity to my kids equals my control and their safety. But herein lies the beauty (as it always does with God): while John Robert may be physically far from me, God is ever present with him. While Alberta feels as close as ever, God is even closer to her.

What a sweet reminder during this Christmas season. From the sleepless nights with a six week old to the long days away from my six year old, God is near. God came down to be close to us.