Find the Difference

Did anyone grow up reading "Highlights" magazine at the dentist's office? I remember grabbing that magazine off the rack while I waited my turn to be seen. It was the best part about going!

There were regular features each month, but the one I especially remember is "Find the Difference". I remember working hard to find as many as possible, until it was time for my turn to go in.

Today, I've got my own version of that section from the magazine.

The place? Stramberk, Czech Republic. The differences? Almost too many to count!

We were visiting Stramberk today with friends, and as always, this place brings back many fond memories from years of raising our family here in Czech.

The above photo was taken in 2001, on my 40th birthday. Our kids were 11, 8 and 6. Hard to believe fifteen years have passed since then!

I know you don't want to hear "this", especially if you're in the throes of parenting and all that entails. But from my heart to yours I'll tell you:

"It goes by fast. Enjoy those sweet faces that you're parenting every day. Take time to make memories. Stop and listen to all they have to say. Tell them you love them every day. Tuck them in at night. Pray for them. And cherish the fact that you're entrusted to be their parent."

I miss those sweet little faces who used to live in our house. I'd sure love to go back to Stramberk with all of them again and retake that photo!

But I love where each one of them is today, in the exact places where God means for them to be.

I'm just glad I have such fond memories of their childhoods!