“I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth.” ~ 3 John 4
Twenty-one years ago, on December 3, 1988, two great events simultaneously took place. A son, destined to be #1 in this family, and a mother were born.
I, along with the millions to have gone before me, was clueless...
Everything leading up to this moment was a combination of theory and second hand information.
From here on out, the rubber was going to meet the road.
Because of your birth order, you have been a “test kitchen” for many parenting theories and ideologies…
You’ve survived.
You, unlike the rest of your siblings, also benefited from two years of undivided attention from those same well meaning, albeit idealistic parents.
No one else in your “herd” of brothers can lay claim to this “accomplishment.”
Diligently determined, introspective, outspoken, honest, principle driven, fiercely loyal to family and friends…
These are but a few of the many adjectives that accurately describe who you are.
You have applied yourself well to many difficult lessons, situations, and challenges in your relatively short life,
and because of your application, you thrive…
Dad and I watch you apply what we have now come to cherish and rely on as our greatest treasures…
Biblical truth and the familial legacy of wisdom handed down from our own parents.
You are blessed with a legacy of greatness on both sides of your family…
It is inspiring to watch you seek after the same.
Practicing servant leadership, while modeling strength,
we watch you work with hundreds of children every week…a coveted reward for two parents attempting to do their best.
Very few people in this present day truly value children, see their God-given potential, and encourage them to attain it.
You are one of those people.
You are an excellent, but not perfect, example to your younger brothers.
You value the friendship and camaraderie of the same, above all others.
You continue to seek after knowledge and apply truth and are faithful to pursue those above personal comfort.
You are a patriotic American, versed in freedom and its value for people world wide, knowing that there is a cost to maintain it.
You continue to study in case you are called upon to practice statesmanship in situations where the stakes are high.
You consistently model confidence that you will embrace this task and responsibility at all costs, should the need arise.
Where Dad and I are concerned, you have definitely been “iron sharpening iron” in our lives.
We love you, cherish you, and look forward to the coming years of intimate friendship with you and your family.
Happy 21st Birthday, Son…
Thank you for being the impetus that allowed me to embark on the greatest journey of my life.
Love,
Mom
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