Really? Hasn't it only been a month or two since I wrote your last birthday letter? That's how it seems, but, according to the calendar, it has indeed been twelve months!
As always, I'm a bit misty-eyed as I sit to write this. You're growing so fast! The other day when you were playing air hockey with Grammy, in a glance it hit me how tall you've grown this year. One of these days I'm going to have to come up with a new online name for you. "Little Mister" isn't going to cut it much longer! I think maybe it will okay, though, until you're ten. :)
As we sat reading together a little while ago, I noticed all the scratches and bruises on your legs and arms. They reminded me of how "all boy" you've always been. Each scratch and bruise has a story of its own--an adventure or a risk, a discovery or maybe even a rebellion or two. Lessons learned and experiences experienced. Your life so far is just full of stories! Your daddy and I are so very honored to be a part of so many of those stories.
You've grown not just in stature, but as a person as well. Daddy's and my hearts were blessed and touched beyond measure by your baptism last August. Daddy and I were a little unsure when you first approached us about it, because you were so young and we wanted to make sure you understood what you were doing! But, after having many discussions with you about it, we knew it was more than a passing fancy for you, but a true desire to take this step of obedience and identify yourself as one who believes and follows Jesus. We most certainly could not deny you this! To watch your daddy baptize you was one of the sweetest moments of my life.
Teaching you third grade has been a huge blessing--one I don't take for granted! We had our ups and downs, but we've learned so very many cool and interesting things this year, haven't we? I love re-learning things I've long forgotten and discovering new things through your eyes.
We're pleased at the progress we've seen in your self-control and attitude. You're still working on it, I know, and it's the *progress* we're looking for, my dear. Your daddy was just telling me the other day how he has noticed you more quickly taking responsibility for your mistakes and more often trying to rectify them. I see that, too. It takes maturity to own up to things without being prompted to. Good for you! Keep it up, buddy! :)
It was awesome to see you memorize all that Scripture this past year for Awana, and then be able to participate in the Quizzing. I love it when Daddy is reading a Bible passage to us and you start to recite something you recognize as he reads. I'm amazed and awed at how your brain can memorize and recall things so easily. You inspire me to keep trying--thank you for that! :)
Soccer--it was a blast to watch you play this year. Yes, I almost "died" the first few weeks when it was soooo freezing cold, but here I still am to tell you how much fun it was to see you try a somewhat new-to-you sport and notice how much you learned and improved throughout the season. You're a natural athlete, and your independent spirit is evolving well into a sense of teamwork. Fun times!
You're so loving, Little Mister. Sometimes it's hidden by a stubborn or goofy exterior, but your many acts of kindness and tokens of love shine through. You are one of the most rough-and-tumble type boys (a rootin', tootin' cowboy, as you call yourself!) I've ever met, yet, when the situation calls for it, you can be as gentle and sweet as can be. :)
Now, about that mohawk . . . lol! I'm "glad" it's gone now, but it was never that big of a deal. I just liked to razz you about it. When you asked us if you could have a mohawk, I wasn't thrilled about it, only because I like other hairstyles better. But you were not asking us out of a spirit of rebellion or to attract attention to yourself. You just liked the style. We were fine with that. Just remember someday, when you're going to job interviews and things like that, you might be better off with a more conservative haircut. :) The fact of the matter is, Daddy and I love you no matter what your hair looks like, and we are much more concerned with what's going on in your heart and mind than we are about what your hair looks like. We are excited about what God is doing in your life!
With much love and many hugs,
Mom
Proverbs 23:15-16
My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
2 Timothy 2:22-25
“Have no part at all in the wrong things that young men like to do. Believe. Have love. Follow what is right. Live at peace. Do these things along with others who have a clean heart and talk to God.
Keep out of foolish quarrels. You know that they start fights.The Lord’s servant must not fight. But he must be kind to all people. He must be a good teacher to them. He must be patient with them.
When he corrects those who are against him, he must do it in a gentle way. It may be that God will turn their hearts to know what is true. ” (WE)
It's really cool that you have this for him to read for years to come! You are such a good writer! I hope you are all doing well!
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