Between the candles

 Candles on the cake indicate age, but the shrinking wax mimics time melting away.  There’s something about the whispers of smoke wafting from a birthday candle wish that bring back memories.   There was once a time when I blew my candles “wishing” to be pregnant, start a family, and become a momma.  That wish has come true x4 and I couldn’t be more blessed.  

With each passing birthday the memories fade and time speeds up.   Each birthday I watch baby cheeks loose their chub, eyes loose their wonder, and hearts loose their innocence.  It’s in that 

moment between smoke and memories that I catch a glimpse of my sweet baby blowing out his/her first candle. Within seconds I can be transported to a time where chubby fingers were tasting the frosting for the first time.  

One cake to another marks the passing of a year, but there are so many layers and ingredients that make up that masterpiece. Flour alone doesn’t make a cake, it’s all the stuff along with the flour that make a cake sweet and creamy and soft.  The measurements and time are so important to a decatant dessert.  Time, love, pinches of salt, lots of mixing and heat.  I know that individual ingredients are the key to a perfect cake.  Each bite and crumb are reminiscent of a year gone by.

The candles have a way of lighting up the memories of my mind. That tiny flame has a way of shining the deep pockets of time tucked away. Somehow adding a candle each year sheds more light on those memories.  Though adding a stick of wax to a sweet dessert doesn’t actually symbolize the good or bad, it’s melting away lights my heart. So far, I’ve had the joy and privilege of watching 50 wishes be made...but it’s the in between the wishes I really love. The time from one candle to a next that marks the passing of time, growth and maturity! 

I pray from candle to candle, flicker to flicker and wisp to wisp that my kids will know God more, love others better, and follow the Spirits leading in the coming year!