Kindred Hearts - To our son on his 12th birthday...

• Nov. 3, 2006
To our son on his 12th birthday...

"Let no one despise you for your youth,

but set the believers an example

in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

One of life's greatest joys is watching you grow, my son. Yes, you're growing in stature. Much to my dismay, it won't be long before you breeze right past me in height. And earlier this year I came to grips with the painful realization that you can now beat me in a 2-mile race.

But you're growing in other ways, too. On your 12th birthday, I'm struck anew by the words of 1 Timothy 4:12. And I rejoice that you, indeed, are growing in these areas. It's apparent that God is at work in your heart to make you more like Him. He is faithfully working to build his character within you. I marvel at the ability He's given you to love and influence people. You are a leader, my son. How I pray that God will use that trait to turn the world upside down.

Twelve years ago today I cradled a newborn baby in my arms. I cried out of pure joy! My hopes and dreams for you were many. Yet as I read my old journal, I'm reminded that my greatest desire, even before your birth, was that you would come to know Jesus at an early age; that you'd follow hard after Him all your life.

Twelve years later, I sit with my arm around this handsome blue-eyed wonder beside me. And still, my eyes well with tears out of pure joy! For you, our son, have a growing relationship with Jesus. Through the victories and defeats, the good choices and the mistakes, you're learning that He is faithful. And together we are learning what it means to follow after Him; to live holy lives that are surrendered to Him.

Happy Birthday, my son. How we pray that you will continue to joyfully walk and grow in truth.

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Comments

• Nov. 3, 2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Posted by dawilli

(to him)

What a lovely post, and lovely endearing thoughts about that precious son of yours. Keep holding him up in prayer- he's come a long way, and there's a long way yet to go.
Keep up all your great work,
hang in there,
and enjoy them,
ali

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• Nov. 3, 2006
Untitled Comment

Posted by Diane