Wednesday, March 18, 2026

An Ode to Oliver and Cooper
(Things Our Little Ones Teach Us)

Read: Psalm 139:13-16, 1 Corinthians 12:4-12

I always say God knew what He was doing by sending me Oliver first.
I had no idea what I was doing, but he brought a sense of peace to everything we did.

Oliver has never been a stereotypical boy in the way of scaling walls or jumping in muddy puddles.
His protection and love are gentle.

I’ve had the privilege of watching him become a big brother twice, and the way he cares for his people is so natural, instinctive, and kind.

Through loving Oliver, I’m reminded that society doesn’t decide who we are. God creates us to be exactly who we are. And living that out with certainty – especially when it looks different than expected – shows courage and strength.

Cooper is only two, so you could say we’re still getting to know each other. Who knows who Cooper will become as he grows. Of course, who we are as toddlers is not who we are at 12 or 20 or beyond.

But today, he is enthusiastic and alive, and along for any ride. He wants to be present. He never wants to miss a thing. And dare I say, he is a stereotypical boy – usually climbing a wall or a piece of furniture.

But through his siblings, he is learning a gentle kind of love and kindness.

Through loving Cooper, I’m reminded that God’s love comes in endless forms – quiet and loud, steady and wild, gentle and bold.

And through loving Oliver and Cooper, I’m reminded that no two hearts are the same –
yet each one reflects God in its own way.
In their quiet gentleness and joyful energy, I see again and again that we are all created with purpose, and called to love one another with tender, serving hearts

Emily Bianchi