To Jacob on His Ninth Birthday

Dear Jacob,

Here I am again trying to get my mind around how quickly you are growing.  It is impossible for me to comprehend how nine years could have gone by since the day your Mommy and I watched you take your very first breath in this world.  The process of you getting here certainly wasn’t easy on your Mommy, but all of the struggle and pain was worth seeing you alive and healthy.

Things haven’t always been easy for us to figure out how to be a family…to learn how to relate to each other in a way that brings honor to each other and to Christ, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes so far, but we’ve worked at it…and it has been worth it all.

I want you to know how proud I am of you.  You have such a sweet spirit and caring heart.  God has gifted you with a good mind and I pray you always use it for what is good and right.

As you continue to grow and develop, the Lord willing, there will be plenty more fun times, laughter and joy, but there will also be more difficulties and challenges. We’ll disagree on things and you’ll think we’re crazy and out-of-touch and out-of-date, that you’ve got it all figured out…and we’ll “discuss” it.  But I want you to know, above all else, that I will never, ever stop loving you.  As long as God gives me breath, I will ALWAYS be right here for you.  You are an incredible blessing to your Mommy and me and I can’t imagine life without you.  I don’t care how big you grow, you’ll always be my Scooter Bear.

I pray you have many blessed birthdays to come.  Always keep your eyes on Jesus.  Love Him and follow Him with all you’ve got and you will be, as you are, blessed.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Happy Birthday, Son.  I love you!

Daddy