A realization of Joy and Sorrow

Creed learned to walk while we were visiting in KY. He gave up crawling just about the time we headed to Jon's parents' house in E-town. The weather was absolutely beautiful most of the time we were there and even bordered a bit on chilly for us newby Texans. This meant we spent a lot of time outside. His parents have a rather long, wide concrete driveway, and Creed walked and walked and walked some more, up and down and up the driveway. He never tired; he never got enough. One day as he was pacing the drive(and if you know us pacing is genetic; they get it from Jon), he stopped and did this thing he does when he is extremely happy. He held out his arms, clenched his fists while rotating his arms back and forth. Then he grinned really big with his teeth clenched together and squealed while drawing in a deep breath. He was experiencing pure joy at that moment. 15 months old, pacing the driveway with sidewalk chalk in hand, and the wind blowing the whispies of his hair--could there be anything more joyful for him.
It struck me how I have known the deepest sorrow and experienced the greatest joy through the death of Knox and the life of all 6 of my children. Not only for me, but I have also seen the expression of heartwrenching grief and smiles of pure joy on the faces of my children. All of this, the extremes and the inbetween, have passed through the hands of God. I am thankful that He has made us who we are.
I wish I had captured "the look" of joy as only he can give it, but I haven't caught that look quite yet. I offer this picture instead as he is definitely experiencing joy; the joy that comes from being able to toddle all over a playground and slide by himself for the first time.

which reminds me of this picture of Knox