Dear Son...On Your Eleventh Birthday

Dear BC,

I cannot believe how fast you are growing up. It seems like only yesterday that I held you in my arms, a newborn baby boy. I fell in love with you and for the first time in my life, I think I truly understood the love of God the Father. Since that day, we have learned and grown up together. I have always wanted to be a mommy, nothing else interested me in the least. While I enjoy many different hobbies, I never found myself drawn to a career. I knew I would be a full time mommy since I was eight years old. You, my dear child, are the one who got me out of bed on days I would have rather not tried. You, sweet son, filled my life with joy when nothing else could. You, precious boy, have been a light in an otherwise dark existence so many times. I thank God for you and every day I want to give back to you a little of what you have given to me.

A few weeks ago we had another one of our heart to heart talks. During that time, I shared my concerns about some things and you listened. I can always tell in your eyes if I am getting through to you. You were listening and your heart was grasping my plea. I shared about how we sometimes measure ourselves against others and think "Well, I'm better than _______, at least I don't _________ like he does." I challenged you to see Jesus as the only standard by which you measure yourself. "When we measure ourselves against Him, we ALL have work to do." He is the standard, He is the One we want to be like. You looked up at me, your eyes brimming with tears and said, "Mama, you're the closest thing I have to Jesus on the earth." I didn't breathe for that moment, I didn't know what to say. Then MY eyes were full...I prayed for you and after I was done, you looked up, tears streaming down your face and said "Mama, I know sometimes I get mad when you tell me that I can't do this or that. But you just want me to be safe, you want what's best for me. I'm sorry for getting mad." Precious, precious, precious.

The years ahead of us will be full of challenges and opportunities to grow. I pray that you will keep Jesus at the center of all you think, say and do. When you make bad choices, I am here for you. I will hold you, I will listen, I will pray and I will do my best to be gracious, while still pushing you to do better. I have great expectations of who you will become, but I know the road along the way can get so bumpy.

It thrills me to see you interacting with little ones. You can be so tender, gentle, gracious and patient with them. I remind you often that eyes are watching, ears are listening. You have been and will remain, a young man of great influence. You have been such a blessing at church as you minister to the toddler age class. The little ones and the teachers appreciate you so much. The younger children flock to you, look up to you and want to be like you. Use that platform to point them to Jesus, and don't let pride take over your sweet heart.

You are the best friend and brother that C and J could ever ask for. They adore you and will come to you in the future for advice, always point them to Jesus. You make friends easily and are a stranger to no one. That said, you only have a few close friends and you choose to invest in those relationships rather than running here and there trying to keep up with too many. That is also wise, you are developing friendship that will last a lifetime, "Lifers," as I call them.

You are a brilliant young man and I know you will be a teacher in some realm or another. I am giving you more responsibility to help teach your brothers, as you already have a grasp on many things we are studying. I am learning as you speak, you break concepts down and hand them out in a manner that is easy to understand. I wish you had been MY teacher when I was a child.

You are gifted in so many areas--you natural inclination toward rhythm makes you a good drummer and percussionist. You can also dance and make up moves that tickle me silly, I wish I could move like that! You enjoy sports like basketball, soccer, golf and swimming. You are good enough in any of those to compete, but you don't let sports rule you or drive you. I think that is a good thing, there is plenty of time later on if you want to pursue those things.

You can create, build and draw so many things. When I saw you drafting the scale for our living room the other day, I had to chuckle. You have learned from the best, your daddy has taught you well. I am so impressed with the cage you built for Sunshine. You make up games and activities for your brothers and they love to join in whatever activity you present.

I love you, B and I am here for you, come what may. I have told you that I will always be your mom. As you grow older, you may not want to hear what I have to say, but when I think it will be received and will help you to be more like Jesus, I will share my heart. When I feel that you don't want to hear, I'll take it to Him and wait until your heart is more open. Right now, there is nothing that the two of us cannot talk about. I pray that will always be the case. I am proud of you and I challenge you to keep growing in Jesus. Day by day, moment by moment, let Him fill you up so you are so full of Him that there is no room for things that distract from Him. Keep first things first, love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. Love the ones He places in your life. The rest is just "stuff" and should be used as a platform to share His love.

I love you, son!

Your mama