Tonight, as I kissed my eight year old boy, I cherished a "last" moment... tomorrow he will be nine and one step closer to being a man.  Now, I know I may sound as if I'm jumping the gun here... but with my step-son in college now... well, it seems like yesterday he was thirteen.  Time just doesn't slow down, and as my children grow, my heart aches at times when I think of things I've missed.

I read the story I wrote about him a year ago (Eight Years Ago Today), I remember those first few moments of his life... and how the thought of losing him was so overwhelming.  I was so young then... so scared.  Words can't express the joy as he began to take his first breaths.

As I sit here tonight, I can't help but smile.  My son's smile warms my heart, and his sense of humor makes me laugh.  He's my little nature boy, and I'd love to give him his wish of a dog... however, we just can't in our small-in-town house.  I also wouldn't know what to do about the fact the dog would grow old and die before he'd leave home... and this boy cried for days after a skink (lizard-like thing) died that he'd had for only two weeks.  I honestly don't think I could stand to see him go through a dog dying!

We went to the zoo a few weeks ago and on the way home he said he'd like to work at a zoo so he could be with all of the animals.  He's truly an animal lover... right down to the smallest insect.  When he goes to my parent's house, he tries to catch birds as they land on the feeders, and the other day when he was there (he got to go alone for his "pre-birthday") Grandpa and him caught squirrels and then spray painted their tails so they could keep track of who was who.  (I'm not sure which one had more fun...)

My sweet little boy is growing up, however, and he's a little tougher than his older brother has been when it comes to the spiritual aspects of life.  I know that I must continue to train his heart, and pray for it to stay soft toward the Lord's Will and on fire in this world.  He's such a kind and giving boy.  He's always making something to give to someone else... or the minute a shirt is too small, he finds someone to give it to.  He's a hard worker too, and loves to do anything with his hands.  I can't help but smile as I think of those dirty hands... they're so busy... catching frogs or dragon flies, building a fort, making a card, petting an animal, or playing the guitar.

Yes, my little boy's hands... some day they will be a man's... but as for tomorrow... I will cherish those little hands... and hold them in mine before time slips away.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the precious life of my son.  I pray that his birthday will be special tomorrow, and that the year to follow will be a time of growth in You.  Light a fire in him that can't be quenched, Lord.  Speak to his young heart, that he would feel You and desire to learn more.  Bless his life Lord, that his humor, kindness and giving ways will be used to glorify You.  Teach me what I must teach him in order to guide him to what it is You created Him to be.  Protect him and keep him safe, and even though he's only a boy, I pray for his wife and the children You will bring to him.  May he grow into a man that has You, his wife and his children at the top of his list and in that order...  and may his hands honor You all the days of his life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.