When putting Silas down for a nap, I often sing to him Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms. Besides being a soothing lullaby, I’ve found that the words of the song are a poignant reminder for me to readjust my priorities. One lie that I frequently find myself believing is that life is a competition, and whoever has the best stuff, the cutest family, the coolest friends, or the most exotic travels–wins! I know this thinking is unBiblical, but–as is my usual human way–I persist in my discontentment and envy. Emotions and sinful thinking build, and then I lay Silas on his polka dot sheet, hold his tiny hand and soft arm, watch his eyes struggle to stay open, and softly hum or sing these words:

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,

Which I gaze on so fondly today,

Were to change by tomorrow and fleet in my arms,

Like fairy gifts fading away

Thou would’st still be adored, as this moment thou art,

Let thy loveliness fade as it will;

And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart

Would entwine itself verdantly still.

Singing this lullaby is a great way for me to talk to myself instead of listen to myself. Suddenly I’m jolted back to reality where all the stuff–the externals of life–don’t really matter. My materialistic, competition-driven way of thinking is shot down yet again. People are more important than things. And, although the song doesn’t say it, the eternal is more important than the temporal.

Silas is now 4 months old, 2 feet tall and weighs 14 pounds. Yes, he’s as smiley as ever, adding a new “happy scream” to his repertoire. We go for walks around the neighborhood with Silas in the stroller or strapped to us in one of our many baby carriers. He looks a little confused when the wind blows.Silas has been trying out his Bebe Pod seat for the first time. He has plenty of wiggle room in it, as evidenced by his tilting posture!We love our little guy and are incredibly thankful for these four months we’ve had with him so far.