A Letter to my Son

My Son,

What do I say?  You turn eighteen today. Grown…in every way.  From soft, baby skin & long, skinny feet, to a strapping man, now 6 foot 3.

To write this, son, is bitter, sweet.

You grabbed my heart before your birth.  Talking to you, playing classical music to you, and loving you long before you joined this earth.

What can I share, that you don’t already know…Love the Lord with all your mind, heart, and soul.  Treat the world as you would yourself.  Like your dad…open doors for those who need help. 

Show the world with more than words, the man of God that lives in you.  Live strong.  Live brave.  Be His hands and feet.  Reach to the helpless, the poor, and the needy.

Teach what you can to those who will listen.  And listen to others, for by doing so, you will gain even more wisdom.

Grow, not just in knowledge, but in grace through Jesus Christ.

True strength is not in Kings, but on your knees, seeing the world through Jesus’ eyes.

For all, have grace.  Live in humble faith of the one who called you.  Knowing you’ll rest on His wings when you give Him all power.

True friends, a gift.  They will grow you, teach you, hear you, be there for you…whether weak or strong, when in fear, or when in great Victory.   

Never leave the One Friend that has called you into eternity.  He is the guide for your journey.  The way of your calling.  The place you’ll find harmony…and peace…and love…and safety.

His course is straight.  Follow it.

Great men are tender.  Like your Dad, & your Grandads & your Uncles.  Strength is in your weakness. True happiness is found in looking at the world around and diving in wholeheartedly to what God has called you to do.  To be, not just say who you are.  To act.  Not just rest thinking that the world could be content without your contribution.

You are smart.

You love justice.  You have always stood for truth.  You walk in dignity.  Respect.  Admiration by all who know you.  You have influence.  Weight in your words.  A sense of humor.  Wit.

You are an incredible kid.

Not just because you are our son or because of what you are…but because you are His.

Follow your heart.  It will not lead you wrong.  Listen to His Spirit inside you. His voice will in you is strong.

Remember, that you were chosen.  Very much chosen.  By me. By your dad.  By God himself. And He loves you.  And we love you.  And the world around you loves you.  Look for the good.  The love.  The joy.  The truth in all things.  And I know that you will be well.

Your name means, “Taught by God”. Listen and He will teach you. May His Kingdom come and His will be done with you, for you, by you, through you!

I adore you.

I am honored to know you.  I am humbled, yes, completely humbled to have been chosen by God to raise you.

I love you….now, always, forever…I love you!
Mom