Seven Beautiful Years

Dear Isaac,
Seven years ago, the Lord graciously blessed your dad and me with your birth. Our lives forever changed the moment we heard your first cry and locked eyes and heart with you. And how gorgeous those deep sea blue eyes were! A sweetness filled our souls. A glimpse of heaven flooded our minds. "Lord, you're choosing us to parent this tiny, helpless person. Be with us, Lord." What a weighty gift and responsibility! His calling into parenthood brought both fear and fascination, intimidation and intimacy. The beginning stages of motherhood revealed every ounce of pride and anxiety deep inside my bones. This is a calling no one can muster alone. Tears were shed. Hugs doled out. Pride stripped bare. Invasion of love permeated. All of this while in a new state, as we forced reliance solely on God's provision, protection, and providence. He stretched my heart and love for you in ways I never deemed possible.

My, oh, my how you have grown and changed over these seven beautiful years. You are solid in your beliefs. You believe in the One, True God. You witnessed to an unbelieving friend this summer and graciously pointed her eyes to the One who loves her the most. May the Lord use that conversation to plant fertile seeds and bring forth an abundant harvest. My heart overflows with thankfulness by your example.You advocate for all things justice. You see black and white, right and wrong, this way or that way. Fairness for all sums up your thoughts toward your peers. You stand with fortitude for others and make friends easily. You are smart. Brilliant, actually. God gifted you with a knack for mechanics and designing. Your brain is stunning; I stand in amazement of the connections you make! As of now, you want to be a mechanical engineer. You most certainly have the ability to press through Calculus and to teach your mama something about math! You love your sister with a fierce, protective love. She is your best friend and oftentimes your greatest source of annoyance. No one will get to her without going through you. You help and serve within our home with a good attitude. I appreciate your regular, "Sure, Mom!" response when I ask you to retrieve something for me. You started school this year with a better mindset and heart. Growth. I see much growth. Not perfection but progress. You complain less and say "Okay, Mom" more frequently in school. I am thankful and take note--please forgive me when I don't. We'll never experience a last battle, but we're trekking along, side by side.. I'm right there with you, buddy. We are constantly learning, and it is a joy and utmost privilege to teach you. The Lord sanctifies me through you, and I absolutely cherish this role of motherhood in your life.

Isaac, you light up our family and your life is a continual reminder of the Lord's love and goodness to us. Remember, God made you fearfully and wonderfully. He knit you together in the secret places. He brought you forth for His good pleasure. May His face shine upon you. May He bless and keep you  and watch your going out and coming in all the days of your life. May you trust that He is always good no matter the circumstances, what others say or do, or the state of our fallen world. May you trust Him fully as your Lord and Savior and grow in knowledge and wisdom. May your life be a shining light, showcasing His brilliant radiance to an unbelieving world. May you love others and bear burdens. May you repent quickly and seek forgiveness humbly. He holds you, son, in the palm of His hands. His love for you is unfathomable beyond human comprehension. Hold fast to Him; He perfectly loves YOU!  He is coming! Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

~1 Timothy 4:12~

 

I love you more than you'll ever know,
Mom